Protecting Civil Rights and Reporting Bias
If you have concerns about bias or civil rights, Western has resources to serve you. You can contact these resources directly. Or, staff in the Centers can support you in connecting with these resources. The Director of Multicultural Student Services, Director of the Disability Access Center, and LGBTQ+ Director serve on Western’s Bias Response Team.
Please note that staff in the Centers are required to report potential civil rights violations and sexual violence to Western’s Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. If you would like to speak confidentially about a civil rights or sexual violence concern, we encourage you to contact Western’s Survivor Advocacy Services or Counseling & Wellness Center. Survivor Advocacy Services provides emotional support and helps navigate issues including housing, academics, and reporting options for students who have experienced dating or sexual violence. The Counseling & Wellness Center provides emotional support for students on a wide range of topics, including concerns about bias and sexual and relationship violence. The Centers staff can also connect you with these services.
Protecting Civil Rights
Federal and Washington law and Western policy prohibit discrimination in education and employment based on race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, and age. If you have a concern about your civil rights at Western, the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (CRTC) is a resource. CRTC receives and investigates complaints about discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence, and can help facilitate resolutions to civil rights concerns.
Reporting Bias
Students who experience bias incidents may report to Western’s Bias Response Team (BRT). The BRT supports people who are targeted or impacted by bias incidents. Bias reports may be submitted online, including anonymously. The BRT offers support and helps connect people with other resources at Western, but does not investigate reports or impose discipline. Investigations that may lead to discipline are conducted by the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (above) or the police, depending on the situation.
A bias incident is language or an action that demonstrates bias against an individual or group of people based on actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, sexual orientation, age, or veteran status. Examples of bias incidents can include, but are not limited to, vandalism to personal or University property, defacement of posters, verbal slurs, and physical assault.