Student Handbook: Respect NU

Northwestern University

  • Speech Code Rating
    Green
  • Speech Code Category
    Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
  • Last updated
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Relevant Excerpt

A bias incident is an act of conduct, speech, or expression to which a bias motive related to the incident is evident as a contributing factor. ... Bias Incident Reports are reported to and reviewed by the BIRT. The Bias Incident Response system and team is an informal Northwestern system for students to report identity-based concerns that arise when interacting with a member of the Northwestern community.

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BIRT is a non-punitive process that centers community, resources, and education within its process.  BIRT does not duplicate systems that already exist within the university, rather it engages such systems through referrals. In cases where an additional response is required by university policy, law, or requested by the reporter, BIRT will route the report to the appropriate resource including the Office of Equity, the relevant School, College or student affairs dean’s office, or to Human Resources.

Therefore, the University expects all community members who witness or experience an act of bias, hate, discrimination, or harassment to report these incidents to the University. When an incident is reported, the University will take reasonable steps to address the situation, such as
• Collect information and document the incident
• Provide resources and support to individuals affected by such incidents, and
• Consider the impact on the community and offer educational resources to the involved parties.

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