Bias Incident Reporting
Ball State University
Relevant Excerpt
A bias incident is a behavior or act—verbal, written, or physical—that is personally directed against or targets an individual or group based on any of the following characteristics, perceived or actual, as defined below.
- race
- color
- religious belief
- sex
- marital status
- sexual orientation
- gender identity or expression
- national or ethnic origin
- disability
- veteran status
- age
Bias incidents differ from a hate crime in that no criminal activity is involved.
Insensitivity or the expression of an idea some may find offensive are not necessarily bias-related incidents. Bias incidents are a singular or perpetual action and/or language that limits or threatens the ability of an individual to work, study, or participate in the campus environment.
Some bias incidents may result in a formal university compliant such as reports of discrimination, sexual misconduct, or other violations of university policy or law.