It is critically important that incidents of bias are addressed so we can begin a broad range of initiatives that focus on the specific incident as well as broader educational programs and activities that promote an inclusive community. The bias incident response team offers a supportive process students can use to report incidents involving bias.
Students who may have been the target or witness to a bias incident may complete a bias incident report which will be reviewed by a member of the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT). A team member will meet with the student to find out more information and determine how the student would like to proceed. Depending on the incident, the student(s) may choose to proceed using:
I. An existing formal university process to address the issue including but not limited to student conduct, academic college student complaint process, and the University’s harassment policy.
II. An informal process to support the student including but not limited to continued dialogue, mediation, referral to the Counseling Center, Victim Advocate or other relevant campus resources.
The bias response team will determine if a reported incident is actionable based on existing university processes. Some reports may result in formal university action while others may be resolved through informal processes such as mediation, dialogue, etc. for incidents that do not violate an existing university policy and those subject to free speech protections. You may learn more about Ball State University’s statement on Freedom of Expression approved by the Board of Trustees on January 31, 2020.
While faculty and staff may assist, students are encouraged to submit the bias report themselves so the team can follow up directly and provide the necessary resources. Students may also report incidents directly to faculty and staff. Faculty and staff encouraged to resolve issues which may arise in their respective areas whether or not a student chooses to engage in the bias incident reporting process. The staff in the Multicultural Center, Student Affairs, the Office of Inclusive Excellence, the Office of the Associate Provost, and Employee Relations are available to consult in resolving the complaint.
If you have questions about the bias incident response process, please refer to the Multicultural Center's webpage or call 765-285-1545. Thank you for assisting us in making our campus a safe, welcoming, and an inclusive environment for our students, faculty, and staff.