Report Bias Incidents
The Unity Center is interested in continual improvement of our campus community. In a proactive effort to improve our multicultural climate, exploration of biasmotivated incidents in and around the Rhode Island College campus is paramount. The occurrence of these types of incidents has raised questions as to the general pattern of these events.
For example:
- How many similar incidents have occurred in the area?
- Where have these incidents occurred?
- What has been involved in the incidents?
- Are these incidents becoming more frequent?
- Are these incidents becoming more severe?
- Are there any patterns or trends in these incidents?
Definition of a Bias-Motivated Incident
A BIAS-MOTIVATED INCIDENT, also known as a hate incident, is an act of conduct, speech, or expression to which a bias-motive is evident as a contributing factor (regardless of whether the act is criminal). While there are no legally-mandated reporting requirements for bias-motivated incidents, they are known to occur on a daily basis and are largely under-reported.
All hate crimes are bias-motivated incidents, but not all bias-motivated incidentsare crimes.
Both hate crimes and bias-motivated incidents occur on college campuses and negatively affect the ability of students to meet their educational goals in a safe and welcoming environment.
Definition of a Hate Crime
A HATE CRIME, also known as a bias crime, is a criminal offense committedagainst a person, property, or society which is motivated, in whole or in part,by the offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation,or ethnicity/national origin. There were 1,260 hate crimes motivated by sexualorientation bias reported to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in1998. Colleges and universities are required by federal law to report bias-motivated crimes.
Reporting Bias Incidents
In order to address these questions, an online form was created to examine bias incidents in and around the RIC campus. The focus is on what we have labeled bias incidents. This is a much more inclusive category than hate crimes.
Did the incident include behavior that was an expression of hostility against a person(s) or property of another because of the victim’s race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity/national origin? An appropriate administrator will read the account of the event and independently determine if the event fits the above definition.
This form should not be deemed as in an official complaint report. All suspected or confirmed bias incidents will be viewed as serious by Rhode Island College and should be reported directly to The Office of Affirmative Action.
Your comments on this form will be used as input in addressing systemic and social issues relative to our campus. This process is being used to increase awareness and gain ongoing insight into the climate of our campus.
Referrals to other appropriate institutional departments may also result.
If you would like to remain anonymous but would still like to report an incident feel free to leave your contact information blank. Your voice will still be heard.