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Frequently asked questions

A page within Center for Transformative Justice

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does UWL need a Bias Support & Education Team?

Bias Support & Education Teams are becoming more common on college campuses that are committed to providing students and employees with an inclusive and safe place to work, live, and learn. No college campus is immune to bias and so it is important to provide an outlet for campus community members to report such incidents and feel supported. 

What's the difference between a hate crime and a bias incident

A bias incident is any non-criminal act or attitude motivated, in whole or in part, by the impacted parties' actual or perceived race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.

A hate crime is any criminal act or attempted criminal act, motivated, in whole or part, by the victim's actual or perceived race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.

For an act to qualify as a hate crime, two variables must be present:

  1. A crime must take place
  2. That crime must be motivated by bias against characteristics included in federal, state, and/or local statutes.

If you believe you have been the target or witness of a hate crime, call 911 immediately or contact our University Police at (608) 789-9999.

What if I'm not sure if this is a bias incident?

We encourage you to report regardless of whether you are certain it is a bias incident.

Please note that incident reports will be routed to one or more of the following university entities: the Bias Support & Education Team, Human Resources, Affirmative Action, Title IX, University Police, or Student Life.

Whether a member of the BS&ET or not, a University employee will connect with you and offer resources where appropriate regardless if the incident was motivated by bias.

What about free speech?
While the First Amendment protects the free expression of ideas that are sometimes offensive, that does not mean the university is powerless to respond. Instead of trying to censor or punish free speech, the Bias Support & Education Team documents and tracks bias incidents in order to:

  • Assist individuals in receiving the appropriate services (if requested)
  • Develop programming and training opportunities to address bias
  • Detect emerging patterns of biased activity
  • Publish aggregated data about these incident rates and trends
  • Make recommendations to campus leadership for the prevention of future bias incidents
Of course, people who commit acts of hate or bias that are not protected under the First Amendment may be subject to disciplinary proceedings or prosecution. Possible examples include physical assault, vandalism, trespassing, harassment, incitement, or genuine threats of violence.
Can I report if the incident happened off-campus?

Yes, the Bias Support & Education Team can provide support to individuals even if the incident happened off-campus. The campus community and climate extend beyond on-campus incidents and occurrences and the Bias Support & Education Team believes it is important to be aware of what is occurring in our surrounding community.

I am an employee...is this form for me?
Yes. The Bias Incident Report is for students, staff, and faculty. We encourage all members of our community to utilize the Bias Incident Report as a resource. 
What should I do if I experience or witness bias?

If you have experienced or witnessed bias:

  1. First, ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and those around you. Should you feel unsafe call 911.
  2. Once you feel secure, document as much of the incident as possible, which includes taking pictures should there be visible evidence.
  3. Next, make sure to complete a Bias Incident Report and attach any documentation that you may have collected.

If you are in a position to play a supporting role:

  1.  Keep in mind that individuals impacted by bias typically have 3 essential and immediate needs:
    1. the need to feel safe
    2. the need to be heard
    3. the need to know what happens next.
  2. Do what you can to create safety, display empathy, and then explore and communicate action steps.
What if the bias incident was unintentional?
Regardless of intentions, there is always an impact on the other end and therefore a Bias Incident Report should be completed in these situations as well.