Bias-Related Incident Reporting Tool

The University of Cincinnati College of Law is dedicated to nurturing a student-centered, culturally competent community where each person has a sense of belonging and the opportunity to thrive. The College of Law’s diversity statement recognizes diversity as a core value – a value that is also embraced by the University of Cincinnati. In our efforts to create an inclusive community, the College of Law actively works to reduce incidents of bias in our community.

The University of Cincinnati College of Law is community that draws its vibrancy from members—faculty, staff and students—diverse in background, perspective and point of view; and will strive to be a community in which all members are accountable for fostering critical discourse, engaging in meaningful interactions and contributing to the strength that flows from a diversity of thought and people for the benefit our College, our community and our profession. Our community provides a safe environment where all members can explore, engage, and be empowered without physical limitations. Bias-related incidents directly impact our ability to know, trust, support, and learn from one another. To address such incidents, the College of Law has developed the Bias-Related Incident Tool (“BRIT”).

The BRIT is designed for College of Law students, faculty, and staff to report incidents of bias related to the College of Law. The BRIT enables to the College to connect community members who submit a report to resources and support, maintain records of bias incidents, and analyze trends in our efforts to continuously improve our campus climate.

The BRIT is not meant to replace reporting to current offices such as Title IX and the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA). If the reported incident includes physical or sexual harm, the College will refer the report to the University of Cincinnati Police Department and the Title IX offices.

The term bias incident refers to the use of language and/or actions that demonstrate bias (prejudice) against persons because of, but not necessarily limited to, their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, nativity, citizenship or immigration status, language, age, religion, religious practice, sex, disability (physical, psychological, and cognitive), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, parenting and pregnancy status, veteran status, or socioeconomic status. Not all incidents of bias violate the law or University of Cincinnati policy; however, such incidents do not align with our community values of mutual respect and inclusion.

Bias incidents include, but are not limited to, name-calling, stereotyping, belittling, or excluding others based on their identity. Some, but not all, bias incidents may rise to the level of discriminatory harassment, sexual misconduct, or other violations of policy or law.

Cincinnati Law students, faculty and staff can make reports in person, in writing or anonymously. While we understand that anonymity may be important in certain circumstances and we will honor that request to the extent possible, complainants should note that anonymity may limit our ability to respond directly to these complaints. 

Complaints or concerns may be delivered in person or submitted through an anonymous online form.   The form will be delivered to the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Community Engagement, and Equity (the “Assistant Dean”).  The Assistant Dean shall follow this process: 

1. Acknowledge receipt of the complaint or concern within three business days and notify the Dean that a complaint has been received; 
2. Review each submission within 10 business days and whenever possible meet or correspond with the individual who raised the complaint or concern; 
3. Address each concern as appropriate, including referral to applicable university resources; and
4. If further investigation is needed, provide the student with information about what steps are being taken to the investigate the complaint and the estimated date for the completion of the investigation.

If you are in an emergency situation, contact the UC police immediately by dialing 911.