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It is the policy of Westminster College to foster an inclusive campus culture that supports the diversity of our administration, faculty, staff, and student body. The policy advances the College’s strategic plan to achieve excellence in teaching and service by developing and using the full range of human talent.
Consistent with its faith tradition, Westminster College strives to maintain an academic and working environment based on the principle of the dignity and worth of every human being. Westminster College affirms a commitment to freedom from discrimination and bias for all members of the college community. This extends to and protects administration, faculty, staff, and student body, alumni, Trustees, visitors, and vendors. It encompasses every aspect of employment and every student and community activity.
The College expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination or acts of bias on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran’s status, religion (except for those positions where religious affiliation is a necessary qualification), gender, gender identity or expression or any other classification protected under applicable federal, state, or local law in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities, or with respect to admission and employment.
When a bias-related incident report is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Director of DEI Education and Bias Prevention who will determine the appropriate action to address the complaint and/or refer the report to the proper campus personnel for review and action. If the involved parties are students, the report may be processed through the Student Conduct system in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. When a complaint involves an employee of the College, the Director of DEI Education and Bias Prevention will work in coordination with the Director of Human Resources and the pertinent vice president, and they will follow the protocols for employee misconduct. Also, if a student or an employee is involved in an incident with a local business or individuals unaffiliated with Westminster, or the incident occurs at an off-campus location, the College will additionally work with local officials to determine a course of action and provide support on behalf of the student or employee.
Depending on the nature of the incident, the response and proposed resolution may vary. Examples may include restorative mediation, educational intervention, criminal investigation, suspensions, or other disciplinary sanctions as detailed in the Student Handbook and employee handbooks. At the completion of the review period, the involved parties will be notified of recommended actions, and the campus community would be informed if applicable and necessary.
What is the Purpose of the Bias Incident Reporting System?
The purpose of the Bias Incident Reporting System is to ensure that there is an adequate and effective means of reporting for students and employees affected by hate or bias-motivated incidents. This reporting system continues efforts of maintaining a positive campus climate where all members of the community feel safe and welcome.
Defining the Incidents: Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents
Hate Crime
Can be defined as a criminal offense motivated by the offender’s bias against or hate toward the victim’s status based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin and disability. Offenders may use physical violence, verbal, virtual or cyber threats of violence, vandalism, and in some cases weapons, explosives, and arson with the intent of intimidating or causing harm.
Bias Motivated Incident
A Bias Motivated Incident can be defined as behaviors or language, whether written or verbal, that demonstrate bias against persons or groups based on their actual or perceived identity or group membership. These incidents may be motivated, in whole or in part, by factors such as ability, race, color, religion, ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Additionally, it is important to note that just because the expression of an idea or point of view may be offensive or inflammatory, it does not necessarily constitute a bias incident. For example, a heated debate on immigration policy, while potentially offensive to some, would not necessarily be considered a bias incident unless it involved derogatory language or actions targeted at individuals or groups based on their identity.
Westminster College values freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas. The expression of controversial ideas and differing views is encouraged, provided it is done in an environment of respect and civility, free of intolerance directed towards individuals or groups. (see Freedom of Expression policy for full definition of an act of intolerance)
Note: Hate crimes are bias incidents, but not all bias incidents are hate crimes.
Examples of the Bias Incidents
- Student organizations host parties or other events that encourage people to wear costumes and/or act in ways that reinforce stereotypes and create a campus climate that is hostile to minoritized groups.
- Graffiti on a residence hall bulletin boards, white boards or in other public spaces across campus that expresses bias against a group. (Note: If the graffiti constitute criminal vandalism or property damage, it can constitute a hate crime.)
- Diminishing or denying a person of color’s racial/ethnic experiences.
- Blatant use of derogatory and offensive language that is rooted in historical oppression that targets and denigrates a community of people.
How Do I Report a Bias Incident?
Please use this Bias Incident Reporting Form to report any incidents of concern that occur on or off campus. If you need to report an immediate emergency, call Public Safety at (724) 946-7777, or dial 911.
Campus Resources
Cultural Center
McKelvey Campus Center, 265
(724) 946-7179
Office of Human Resources
Old Main, Business Office Suite, 203
(724) 946-7247
Office Student Affairs
McKelvey Campus Center, 341
(724) 946-7110
Public Safety
McKelvey Campus Center, 252
Emergency: (724) 946-7777
Office: (724) 946-7126
Wellness Center & Counseling Services
Shaw Hall, Ground Floor
(724) 946-7927
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