Bias Incidents and Discrimination

Call 911 immediately if you are in physical danger or in need of medical attention.

The Macalester Department of Public Safety (651-696-6555) is also available for 24/7 reporting and response.

Macalester fosters a community of respect, integrity, and care. If you have experienced a possible bias incident, discriminatory harassment, or discrimination, please use this form to report the incident:

Please note that you do not need to determine if the incident meets specific criteria. We will address all reported incidents and make appropriate referrals. If contact information is provided, we will reach out within one week.

Additional information about Macalester’s non-discrimination policy may be found here: macalester.edu/about/nondiscrimination.

Information about discrimination and discriminatory harassment in the Student Handbook may be found here: macalester.edu/documents/studenthandbook/05campuspolicies/05-22harassment.html. 

What is a bias-related incident?

Bias-related incidents refer to language, images or behaviors that demonstrate bias against another person based on but not limited to their membership in a group, based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexuality, disability, age, religion, or an individual’s particular characteristics, role, or behavior.

Expression of ideas or points of view that may be offensive or inflammatory to some, may not necessarily be a bias-related incident. The College does value freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas. This value of openness protects controversial ideas, but it does not protect harassment or expression of bias or harassment aimed at individuals that violate college policy.

What is harassment?

When these acts are intended to harm an individual or have the purpose or effect of unreasonably or substantially interfering with an individual’s safety and security by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or working environment they can be defined as harassment. These acts defined as harassment may be based on a person’s identity characteristics or they may not.

What is the difference between discrimination and bias-related incidents?

Unlawful discrimination refers to specific conduct prohibited by law that unfairly treats people differently because of their characteristic or perceived characteristics that the law deems to be unrelated to merit. 

Unlawful discrimination often results from bias. Bias-related incidents, however, do not always result in unfair treatment that violates nondiscrimination laws.

About the bias response process here at Macalester

Macalester College responds to all reported incidents of bias. Our approach is rooted in education and care for our community. As part of the process, involved members are invited to meet with members of the Bias Response Network to address the incident primarily through educational opportunities. Here’s the breakdown of the general process we follow to address bias reports:

Report Submitted:

Typically, a report is submitted through various outlets including the online Bias Incident or Discrimination Report Form or directly to the Dean for Institutional Equity, Nondiscrimination Office, or Public Safety. A confirmation that the report has been received will be submitted to the reporting parties involved if they provided contact information. Note: reports may be submitted anonymously. Again, Macalester College is committed to responding to all reported incidents of bias.

Initial Evaluation:

Institutional Equity representatives: the Dean for Institutional Equity and Title IX Coordinator and Nondiscrimination Officer, who are also members of Bias Response Network, will review the initial report within 48 business hours. This initial review is to determine if the report may indicate a violation of a college policy or if referral to a non-bias response is appropriate. College policies generally considered are:

• Nondiscrimination Policy
• Other policy violations (Student Conduct, Human Resource policies, Disability Grievance process, etc).

If the reported incident is determined that it may violate nondiscrimination or other campus policies, the case will be referred to the appropriate office and will be referred to those respective processes (listed as 1 and 2  the flow chart). If not, the report will undergo the Bias Response Network process. 

Bias Response Process:

Institutional Equity representatives will do a full review and analysis (including meeting w/ reporting party, if named) of the report, and when appropriate determine which network members will partner with the assigned Institutional Equity representative (also part of the Network) to respond.

Assigned network members will review all relevant information provided to assess next steps which may include meeting with individuals involved, ongoing support, and educational options. We may also involve other campus units as necessary. For instance, when appropriate, network members may involve Public Safety and/or Communications to address response and provide support.

Members of the Bias Response Network will meet routinely to review recent cases, and assess responses and outcomes.

What can I do to create a culture of inclusion and respect at Macalester?

• Speak out when jokes or comments are made that are hateful or demean others.
• If you witness or experience discrimination, harassment, bias motivated incidents, report the behavior.
• Examine your own behavior and consider how it may affect others in the community. Take steps to understand what motivates you and how you can help create an affirming, supportive environment for all people.
• Attend programs, lectures, workshops, etc. that increase your knowledge and understanding of people different from you.