Reporting Bias Incidents

Relevant Excerpt

Coastal Carolina University is firmly committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bias where all members of the Teal Nation feel that they are supported, respected, valued and heard. Incident reports enable the University to assess the campus climate and promptly respond to incidents. Examples of reports include those relating to:

• Discrimination
• Accessibility barriers
• Harassment
• Bias incidents

Bias incidents are any behaviors that target individuals or groups based on their actual or perceived group identities, such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, socioeconomic background, age, religion, disability and others.

While it isn't always easy to recognize, bias can be present in the classroom and workplace and often stems from fear, misunderstanding, hatred, and stereotypes. Even when offenders are not aware of bias or do not intend to offend, bias may be revealed that is worthy of a response and can serve as an opportunity for education. Bias-related incidents, while abhorrent and intolerable, do not meet the necessary elements required to prove a definable hate crime. However, bias-related incidents detract from the inclusive community to which Coastal Carolina is committed and therefore must be addressed to provide support, intervention or education.