Bias Reporting: What is Bias?

Relevant Excerpt

What is a bias-related incident?

Under Cornell’s specific definition, a bias incident is action taken that one could reasonably and prudently conclude is motivated, in whole or in part, by the alleged offender’s bias against an actual or perceived aspect of diversity, including, but not limited to, age, ancestry or ethnicity, color, creed, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, height, immigration or citizenship status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, religious practice, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or weight.

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Cornell University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning, living, and working environment for its students, faculty, and staff members free from unlawful discrimination based on protected categories, such as race, sex, religion, veteran status and disability. Cornell’s Policy 6.4 provides our community the means to address concerns of bias, discrimination, harassment, and sexual and related misconduct.  Two separate Cornell offices are responsible for implementing Policy 6.4 and assisting community members in Ithaca-based programs, including Cornell Tech.

The Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity provides leadership to the Cornell community in the areas of equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity.  The Department also receives and manages reports of bias incidents involving faculty and staff.

Office of the Dean of Students receives and manages reports of bias incidents involving only students.

The Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX is responsible for responding to reports and Formal Complaints of discrimination based on protected categories such as race, sex, religion, veteran status and disability, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, against faculty and staff members under Policy 6.4.  The Office on Institutional Equity and Title IX is also responsible for responding to reports of sexual and related misconduct against students, including sexual and gender-based harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation.  The office oversees Cornell’s compliance with Title IX of the federal Higher Education Amendment of 1972, including Title IX education and prevention efforts.