Bias Incident Reporting

As a Catholic university, our belief in the inherent dignity of each person is founded upon the social teaching of the Catholic Church. At the center of that teaching is the fundamental mandate that every person, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social or economic class, age, or disability shall be treated with respect and dignity. We condemn harassment of every kind, and assert that no one in our community should be subject to physical or verbal harassment or abuse. Further, no one shall be denied access to programs, services, and activities for any unlawful reason. As a supportive community that is open to all, we always aim to enhance the types of programs, events, and resources offered so as to best embrace our diverse community. View the University of Portland's Inclusion Statement here.

Rationale

This Bias Reporting System has been designed to provide a process for hearing the needs of our students, offering assistance, taking action, and communicating in a timely manner in the event of a bias incident.

Protocol

Any student in the SONHI who witnesses, becomes aware of, or is subject to bias should immediately report the incident using the link below. Once the report has been submitted, it will be received by the School of Nursing & Health Innovations and investigated together with the Office of International Education, Diversity, and Inclusion. The SONHI and OIEDI will collaborate with the necessary designated persons and the Bias Response Team to determine the course of action. The following offices will be consulted when appropriate:

• Office of the Provost
• Division of Student Affairs
• Department of Campus Safety
• Human Resources

FAQ

What is a Bias Incident?

• A bias incident is conduct, speech or expression motivated, in whole or in part, by bias or prejudice. It can include use of slurs, epithets, symbols, degrading language, harassment, exclusionary actions, and threats. It differs from a hate crime in that no criminal activity is involved.
  • If you are in immediate danger, contact Campus Safety: 503.943.4444
  • For sexual and gender-based harassment, misconduct and violence, see University of Portland Title IX: We Care.

May I submit an anonymous report?

• Yes, anonymous reports may be submitted.

What if I want a response?

• Individuals seeking a response, should submit a report and identify themselves. If contact information is provided and a follow up is requested, an email will be sent within 2 business days to acknowledge that the report has been received. The response time and potential outcome will vary depending on the nature of the incident and results of the review process.

What happens next?

Once the report has been submitted, it will be received by the School of Nursing & Health Innovations and investigated together with the Office of International Education, Diversity, and Inclusion. The SONHI and OIEDI will collaborate with the necessary designated persons and the Bias Response Team to determine the course of action. The following offices will be consulted when appropriate:

• Office of the Provost
• Division of Student Affairs
• Department of Campus Safety
• Human Resources

Because the University may have an obligation to address certain reports, we cannot guarantee complete confidentiality where it would conflict with the University’s obligation to investigate meaningfully or, where warranted, take corrective action. Regardless of the situation, personal information will generally only be shared with individuals on a need-to-know basis, in compliance with University policy. In addition, retaliation for filing a bias incident report is strictly prohibited.

Some possible outcomes of submitting a report include:

• Individual consultation and support to impacted individual / individuals by appropriate campus official or staff member
• Appropriate intervention with offending party using method of restorative justice
• Educational outreach with individuals or groups to prevent recurrence of bias
• Coordinated dialogue to develop understanding between parties
• Restorative justice initiatives with individuals, units, or school-wide endeavors
• Long-term outcome: Reports will be assessed over time to determine if there are any patterns of behavior that can be mitigated by educational programming or other interventions to benefit the entire SONHI community

Submit an Anonymous Bias Report