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
Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement
 

Helen Cannaday Saulny
Associate Provost for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement
 

Jordan S. West
Director, University Diversity & Inclusion Programs
Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement
 

Alisa Major
Interim Director, Disability Support Services Office
Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement
 

Rory Muhammad
University Title IX Coordinator
Director, Title IX Office
Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement
 

Michael Tapscott
Director, Multicultural Student Services Center
Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement
 

Timothy Kane
Associate Director, Inclusion Initiatives
Multicultural Student Services Center 
Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement
(LGBTQ & Religious Life)
 

Cissy Petty
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
 

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

Colette Coleman
Senior Associate Dean of Students
Division for Student Affairs

Stewart Robinette
Assistant Dean for Residential Engagement
Divsion for Student Affairs

Scott Burnotes
Associate Vice President
Division of Safety and Security
(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.