What is a bias incident?

Relevant Excerpt

At Westfield State University, a bias incident is described as any behavior or act—verbal, written or physical—which is personally directed against or targeted toward an individual or group based on perceived or actual characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, disability or veteran status. Behavior reflecting bias may or may not constitute a violation of Westfield State University policy or constitute a crime (i.e. hate crime).

Events that may constitute a bias incident include, but are not limited to, threatening telephone calls or messages (including e-mail and social media), graffiti, physical assault, sexual assault or abuse, stalking, vandalism, destruction of personal property, harassment, or coercion.