BISA and Bias Incident FAQs

Answers

Q:

What is a bias incident?

A:

A bias incident is an act that may include, but is not limited to, bigotry, harassment, or intimidation that is motivated in whole or in part by bias based on an individual's or group's actual or perceived race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Bias often stems from fear, misunderstanding, hatred, and stereotypes and may be intentional or unintentional.

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Q:

How can I report a bias incident?

A:

You can file a report by meeting with members of the Bias Incident Support and Advisory (BISA) Team or complete the reporting form: https://forms.office.com/r/2KWpPmYrtS.

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Q:

What is a hate crime?

A:

A crime motivated by bias against race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.

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Q:

What is a protected class?

A:

Southwest Minnesota State University acknowledges protected classes as those protected by the Minnesota Human Rights Act [Your Civil Rights / Minnesota.gov (mn.gov)] Federal Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Federal Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) [Americans with Disabilities Act | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)]

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Q:

What is the Bias Incident Support and Advisory (BISA) Team Protocol?

A:

The Bias Incident Support and Advisory (BISA) team will be convened by the co-chairs whenever a bias incident is perceived to have occurred or is reported to the team. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, additional faculty, staff, and/or content experts may be invited to serve as consultants to the team as appropriate and necessary. Additionally, the team will convene at least once each semester to review responses to prior incidents and to provide leadership for campus education and prevention.

Find information on the Bias Incident Support and Advisory (BISA) Team Protocol.

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Q:

Who is on the Bias Incident Support and Advisory (BISA) Team?

A:

View the members of the Bias Incident Support and Advisory (BISA) Team

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Q:

What are some tips for reporting a bias incident or hate crime?

A:

Be an ACTIVE BYSTANDER and speak out against forms of bias and hate!

Here are a few tips to remember:

• MINIMIZE IMMINENT THREATS: Immediately remove yourself and others from any hostile or dangerous situations. Call SMSU Public Safety (507-537-7252) or 911 if there is an immediate threat posed to you or someone else.
• GATHER AND SUBMIT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:
  1. Take photos, record a video of the incident or involved parties, and/or collect the names of willing volunteers, when possible, to provide university officials for further investigation. However, never put yourself in danger or at risk of being hurt when collecting supporting documentation. 
  2. Submit all evidence to Bias Incident Report Form or University Public Safety at Security@smsu.edu.

SAVE all supporting documents so they can be referenced at a later date when necessary. It is recommended that you save it in two locations (i.e., phone, email, virtual storage/cloud) in the event that your email does not go through successfully OR don’t have access to your phone.

Click here for a list of Campus Resources for Reporting.

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