Bias Incident Support Services
At the George Washington University, we believe that diversity and inclusion are crucial to an educational institution's pursuit of excellence in learning, research, and service. We strive to build a community of respect for all people. Acts of bias, hate, or discrimination are anathema to the university’s commitment to educating citizen leaders equipped to thrive and serve in our increasingly diverse and global society.
The Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement (ODECE) provides supportive measures to community members who experience bias. ODECE does not process or adjudicate reports of alleged discrimination or harassment for purposes of investigation, resolution, or disciplinary action. View more information about reporting options.
Any individual seeking support services for an incident related to bias, discrimination, or harassment they experienced or witnessed, may contact ODECE at inclusion
gwu [dot] edu (inclusion[at]gwu[dot]edu) or they may contact Dr. Jordan Shelby West, Associate Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement, at jswestgwu [dot] edu.
ODECE responds proactively to instances of bias in the following ways:
- Supports any individual in the GW community who experiences bias
- Refers individuals to available campus resources and services, including units that receive reports and conduct formal investigations
- Promote education and dialogue across the university community about the impact of bias
- Advocate for new programs, initiatives, policies, and services that will promote a more inclusive GW community
Supportive Measures
In collaboration with the impacted parties and university partners, we aim to provide supportive measures for affected parties, including guidance on formal reporting and accountability measures. We prioritize the desired outcomes of impacted parties, university resources, and university policies. The goal for our bias support process is to promote equity and reduce harm for all members in our community, using these community-centered processes:
Harm transformation:
System change(s) that involve the understanding of the perspective of the harmed (or impacted) parties, but does not always involve the person(s) harming and/or the person(s) harmed
Restorative practices:
Processes that involve harmed and harming parties aimed at repairing, healing, and creating healthier relationships, communities, and systems
Some specific supportive measures we are able to assist with include, but are not limited to:
- Identify what restoration and repair could look and feel like for impacted parties
- Assist with accessing basic needs, including financial, food, housing, toiletries, care networks
- Mediation between parties
- Coaching on creating more inclusive environments
- Facilitating a conversation with those who caused harm on the impact of their behavior(s)
- Support with developing and sharing an apology to impacted parties
- Assist with academic accommodations
- Facilitate access to counseling, spiritual or religious advisor(s), and mental health resources
- Safety planning
- Facilitate educational learning opportunities (e.g., workshops, retreats, access to virtual learning modules)
- Review and assistance with revising documents, including syllabi, bylaws, guidelines
- Assist with development of recruitment and retention efforts
- Additional resource referrals and providing access to various university leaders and partners
- Discussion of available university resources for formal reporting and disciplinary action
- What is a bias-related act?
Generally, bias-related acts are characterized by some expression of negative treatment against a particular group or towards an individual based on their membership (or perceived membership) in that group. Bias incidents may range from acts considered to be offensive to actions that cause substantial harm.
Although bias-related acts sometimes constitute discrimination or harassment (as defined under the University's Equal Opportunity Policy), or hate crimes (as defined and determined by federal, state, or local law), not all bias incidents rise to the level of discrimination, harassment, or a hate crime.
Academic Freedom
The university is committed to the principles of academic freedom, including free inquiry and free expression, and the vigorous discussion and debate on which the advancement of the university’s educational mission depends. Incidents of bias, hate, or discrimination that violate the university’s Code of Student Conduct or other university rules, regulations, and policies are not legally protected expressions, are not the proper exercise of academic freedom, and may be grounds for university disciplinary action. Such incidents are taken seriously by the university and the campus community.
All members of the university community should recognize that bias, hate, or acts of discrimination impede one’s ability to participate fully in the community and compromise the integrity of the university. As community members, we strive to treat all members with respect and dignity.