Bias Incident Response Team

The Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) was established to respond with resources, support, and actions.

The BIRT will convene to ensure that students have access to appropriate support and to assist the university in a coordinated campus response to bias-related incidents. The primary functions of BIRT are to:

• Support students who are targets or witnesses of hate or bias incidents
• Refer students to available campus resources and services, including units that will conduct formal investigations
• Promote dialogue within the campus community about the impact of bias
• Advocate for new programs, initiative, policies, and services that will promote a more inclusive GW community

These incidents may occur on campus, off campus, or online and include GW students, faculty, staff, contractors, or visitors to the university. It is important to note that the university may be limited in its ability to respond to incidents that involve people who are unaffiliated with GW. The BIRT will also meet regularly to discuss trends and campus impacts and may suggest other campus responses.

Current Bias Incident Response Team

The BIRT includes members of the university community who are available to support and guide the university’s response to a bias incident. Members of this team have knowledge of the applicable university policies and can help provide resources and referrals as appropriate.

Caroline Laguerre Brown, JD
Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement

Jordan Shelby West, PhD
Associate Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement

Asha Reynolds, JD
University Title IX Coordinator
Director, Title IX Office
Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement

Colette Coleman
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Christy Anthony
Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Division for Student Affairs

Elisa Davoodi
Director, Office of Advocacy and Support (OAS)

Laura Finkelstein, PhD
Director of Counseling and Psychological Services
Division for Student Affairs

Brian Joyce, PhD
Assistant Dean of Student L
Division for Student Affairs

Sherry Leung
Director, Student Support

Chief James Tate
Chief GW Police Department 

Depending upon the specific incident, additional members of the GW community and/or outside experts may be consulted or otherwise asked to partner with the team on developing a response.