Student Handbook: Respect NU - Bias Incidents

Relevant Excerpt

The Bias Incident Response system and team (BIRT) is an informal Northwestern system for students to report identity-based concerns that arise when interacting with a member of the Northwestern community. BIRT was created in response to feedback students gave during community forums after racial incidents that occurred in 2012. 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 reviewed by the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (OCR) and BIRT. OCR reviews a bias report to determine whether the reported conduct may fall under the University’s Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct or Title IX Policy. If the reported conduct could constitute discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, OCR will respond and provide support, resources, and resolution options to the impacted individual. If the reported incident would not fall within the OCR policies, one of the BIRT members will support the student, connect them with the appropriate resources, and follow-up with them until the situation has been resolved, which can include engaging with other University offices.