Internal Audit

Bias Reporting

At Portland State University, we strive to create a campus environment that supports a sense of belonging for all individuals. To achieve this, we must actively address behaviors that compromise our values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Report Incidents of Bias or Hate Crimes

All members of the PSU community, including faculty, staff, and students, are strongly encouraged to report any incidents of bias, discrimination, or hate crimes. These reports can be made through our online system or by contacting the Office of Equity and Compliance directly at bias@pdx.edu. Reporting is crucial for ensuring a timely and effective response, and for fostering a campus climate that is safe and inclusive for everyone.

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Bias Incident Response Guidebook: Community Guide for Addressing Bias

Bias Incident Response Guidebook

This guide outlines our approach to responding to incidents of bias and hate crimes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a community that values and celebrates differences.

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Bias Reporting at PSU

This set of FAQs provides detailed information on various aspects of our bias response efforts within our PSU community.

At PSU, a select team of administrators from the Office of Equity and Compliance and the Dean of Student Life Offices are responsible for coordinating bias response practices. These administrators are tasked with strategizing, tracking, and addressing reported incidents within the university community.

PSU is committed to addressing bias incidents and fostering education on identity-related issues as part of its dedication to creating an inclusive environment. 

Although the university strives to prevent bias, incidents can still occur, and this system provides support and education in response to those incidents.

A designated member from the team of administrators responds to reported bias incidents. This individual engages with those involved, assesses the impact, and provides the necessary support to address the situation.

All members of the PSU community—students, employees, faculty, and academic staff—are encouraged to report bias incidents. External individuals may also
report incidents if they involve members of the PSU community.

Reporting bias incidents aligns with PSU’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The reporting system allows individuals to report incidents safely, either anonymously or with their identity disclosed. It also enables the university to monitor, address, and improve community relations by taking appropriate action against bias incidents.

If you are unsure whether to remain anonymous when reporting, you can consult with the administrators responsible for bias response to learn more about the
process, ask questions, and understand the available support options.

No, the process managed by these administrators is not a formal investigation. Instead, it focuses on understanding the issue, providing support, and exploring educational pathways. Formal investigations, if necessary, will be handled
through other university procedures.

Reports can be submitted online, either anonymously or with your name. You may also contact the team directly via email at bias@pdx.edu.

A bias incident is an action against a person or group that is motivated, wholly or in part, by bias related to social identity (e.g., race, gender identity, religion, disability, national origin).

If you're unsure whether an incident qualifies as a bias incident, you can consult with the administrators handling bias response. This consultation can help clarify the nature of the incident and provide educational context.

Yes, jokes that target an individual’s social identity or protected class and are derogatory or perpetuate stereotypes can be considered bias incidents. Understanding the impact of such jokes is crucial for maintaining a respectful environment.

Yes, even if you were not directly involved in the incident, you can still report bias incidents, discrimination, or hate crimes that you witnessed. The team will take appropriate action based on the information provided.

Conversations with the administrators responsible for bias response are private and focus on providing support and education. However, as mandated reporters, these administrators are required to report any disclosed information regarding crimes, hate crimes, discrimination, harassment, assault, or Title IX concerns to the appropriate authorities at PSU.