Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook: Bias Related Incidents

Relevant Excerpt

[T]he University is committed to encouraging everyone to report bias incidents that occur in our campus community so that inappropriate and unwelcome behavior may be properly addressed and the community at large can be educated.

At the University of Miami a bias incident is defined as an action, behavior or expression against an individual’s or group’s actual or perceived identity. A bias incident may take the form of a verbal interaction, cyber‐interaction, physical interaction, or interaction with property. Bias incidents may be based on, but not limited to: age, race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, gender identity and expression, national origin, genetic information, citizenship status, political affiliation or veteran status. Bias often contributes to or creates an unsafe/unwelcoming environment.

Bias incident reports are forwarded to the Dean of Students Office and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and may be forwarded to other offices for review when appropriate.  All bias incident reports are investigated by the Dean of Students Office.  Where it is determined the bias incident may involve a violation of the Harassment or Online/Internet Social Network Usage or other conduct policy, the alleged student(s) involved will be charged in the Student Conduct process.  Students found Responsible for violating conduct policies related to bias incidents may be suspended or expelled.  Bias incidents that are not determined to be possible conduct violations will result in educational conversation and intervention with the parties involved.