Bias-Related

A Bias-Related Incident is characterized as a behavior or act—verbal, written or physical—which is personally directed against or targets an individual or group based on perceived or actual characteristics such as race, color, religious belief, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, or age.

Examples of bias-related incidents may be signified in act(s) of intolerance, such as:

- Defacement and vandalism
- Racial epithets written on someone’s dry-erase board
- Posting or commenting on social media related to someone’s identity in a bias matter
- Racially themed parties
- Using a racial, ethnic, or other slur in a joke or to identify someone
- Threats, destruction of personal property, harassment, or threatening telephone calls or electronic mail
- Ridiculing a person’s language or accent
- Insulting a person’s traditional manner of dress
- Hate messages and symbols
- Language and imagery objectifying women
- Other subtle (and extreme) examples of bias incidents

The University encourages all bias-related incidents to be reported using our online form.

The Policy against Discrimination, Harassment, and Discriminatory Employment/Service Practices, otherwise known as PADH, prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, familial status or an individual’s reproductive health decision making, military/veteran status, national origin, race (including hair style), religion/creed (including religious attire and facial hair), sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. Discrimination or harassment (including hostile work environment harassment) based on protected status is illegal, will not be tolerated, and is considered misconduct that will be subject to discipline.

Filing a Harassment and Discrimination Report:
Members of the University community are encouraged to report discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in accordance with PADH. This includes members of the University community who feel that they have experienced behavior that violates PADH or who witness or become aware of conduct that they believe violates PADH. To file a report, use the new online report form.

The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) is dedicated to cultivating an equitable, respectful, and welcoming culture at the University of Rochester. We strive to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the University’s mission to learn, discover, heal, and create. We celebrate our connections to the Rochester community and affirm that in a pluralistic culture, the definition community includes individuals who represent every race, creed, color, ability, sexual identity, and gender.

The University of Rochester does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law in matters of admissions, employment, housing or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates.

The goal of University Ombuds is to mediate differences, resolve problems, and rebuild trust. When you’re faced with a conflict at work that you’re having a tough time resolving, you can contact our team for assistance.

We use what’s called an “informal process”. This means that you’re not filing a formal complaint or grievance with the University. As a result, interactions with us are confidential, so you can feel comfortable and secure coming to our team. After you reach out to us, our Ombuds will work closely with you to better understand the situation you’re facing.

The Center for Student Conflict Management helps students become positive community members during their college careers and beyond. They provide education about the MELIORA values of the University of Rochester by holding students personally accountable to the community through our conduct system, by offering access to and training in conflict resolution processes. They also assist in coordination of support for students who may be significantly struggling at the University with the assistance of our CARE network.

The Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center (BIC) is a joint venture of the Office of the Dean of Students and the David T. Kearns Center. It exists to promote cultural awareness and engagement; educate on issues of identity, culture, and diversity; and provide avenues for intersection and opportunities for collaboration.

The BIC works closely with students, staff, faculty, and offices across campus to foster a collaborative environment throughout the year. Staff develops resources that complement and supplement curricular offerings, explore the intersections of identity, build intercultural competence, and promote and encourage cultural understanding and appreciation among the campus community, while also providing opportunities for education and dialogue on topics such as race, religion, LGBTQ issues, privilege, and bias-related incidents.

Students can use the intercultural lounge and LGBTQ resource area, which is an ideal location for studying, checking out books and videos, engaging in discussions, and as a community gathering space.

Everyone experiences difficulties throughout their college experience, but speaking up and asking for support can enable you or a fellow peer to build resilience and thrive. CARE is here for all students at the UR. Whether you are seeking support for a friend, or yourself, we encourage you to submit a CARE Referral to connect with appropriate forms of support and resources to maintain wellness and achieve goals.

CARE can be of assistance by supplying students with options for support while also aiding individuals who support the student in need.

At Rochester, the CARE Network helps to identify students in, or heading toward, distress. With timely and appropriate support, we can ensure our students have access to the resources and services they need to thrive. As members of the UR community, we rely on you—the eyes and ears of our campus—to help make sure our students are supported.