Bias Response Team Guiding Principles

The Bias Response Team’s coordination of the University’s official response to bias-related crises should model and facilitate practices that are consistent with the University’s values related to difference and inclusion. Following are the principles guiding the BRT’s response to individual incidents:

• The safety of our campus and all of its members and guests is paramount. Safety has both physical and emotional dimensions.
• Members of marginalized groups targeted by bias incidents should have a prominent voice in determining the institutional response to those incidents.
• Meaningful, productive dialogue should prevail over impulses for revenge or retribution.
• Dialogue is productive and meaningful when it leads to self-reflection and positive change.
• Crises and the institutional resources they demand should not be allowed to derail positive change initiatives already underway.