What is a Bias Incident?

Conduct, speech, or expression motivated, in whole or in part, by bias. It differs from a hate crime in that no criminal activity is involved. A bias incident includes written and/or verbal messages or threats and/or physical acts targeting a specific person or group based on their actual or perceived identity. Bias comes in various forms and includes but is not limited to physical, verbal, or written abuse, harassment, and intimidation or the derogatory use of identity-specific remarks and symbols.

The Department of Justice defines a hate crime as “A Crime + Motivation for the crime based on bias=Hate crime, “ and examples of the crime include assault, murder, arson, vandalism, or threats to commit such crime.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a hate crime is “a criminal offense committed against a person or property that is motivated by the offender’s bias against the actual—or perceived---age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, religious practices or sexual orientation of the targeted person or group.” Examples included graffiti, destruction of property, and the threat of violence or intent to harm.

Indiana’s Law on Hate Crime: Can be found here

The federal definition of harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on a protected characteristic and is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile or offensive work environment. Harassment can also be illegal if it results in an adverse employment decision, such as demotion.

You can read more about the University’s Harassment Policy (including sexual and gender-based harassment) in both the Student Handbook and the Employee Guide.

Have you experienced an incident of bias? We want to know about it. Specific offices and administrators are here to support you. Responses to this form are kept confidential.

Report Here