Indiana University is committed to creating campuses where everyone can thrive and do their best work—where all individuals are treated with civility and respect. The Bias Incident Reporting Campaign is an extension of this work to create a more inclusive and welcoming IU.
Led by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Indiana University (OVPDEI), the campaign aims to raise awareness of what constitutes a bias incident, encourage bias reporting and help those who report and/or impact know what to expect.
“This campaign is about fostering a sense of belonging and understanding for our students, faculty, staff and community members. In doing so, we hope to strengthen our campuses and address bias incidents,” says James C. Wimbush, vice president for the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership.
“Every individual’s voice matters; we are stronger together,” Wimbush adds. “Bias can significantly impact our lives, and it is important to recognize and address it when it occurs. By joining this movement to report bias, everyone can help create change in our community and beyond.”
The new bias reporting campaign includes a unique “ toolkit ” featuring a variety of helpful materials and information to educate and empower the IU community on how to recognize and report bias-related incidents. The kit includes:
- A comprehensive messaging guide containing various content options for individual campus communication needs, including social media and emails.
- Poster templates that are available in multiple formats.
- Ready-made social media graphics and templates for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat and Twitter (now X). (Please refer to the messaging guide for post copy.)
- Engaging informational card templates that provide contact information.
- Graphics and a printing guide for promotional stickers.
- Eye-catching digital sign templates designed specifically for digital signs to help reach a broader audience.
What to Expect
You are encouraged to report a bias incident, whether you are the victim, witness or supporting someone involved.
There are several ways to make a report, including online, email, phone, mobile app or in person. A campus team of trained officials privately reviews all bias incidents reported, with responses typically provided within a few business days of reporting an incident.
Campus-managed bias response officials provide support resources to impacted parties, promote education and dialogue and affirm the university’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; formal investigations and disciplinary action are not part of the bias response. Incidents reported that break IU’s student code of conduct are referred to the Office of Student Conduct, and complaints of discrimination or harassment are referred to the Office of Institutional Equity.
The university’s bias response includes:
- Conversation(s) centered around the incident and affected individual(s).
- Refer the reporter to appropriate campus offices that can effectively respond.
- Refer impacted to support resources.
- Incident assessment and response plan.
Bias response plans may include:
- 1-on-1 ongoing support and check-ins.
- Engage person(s) impacting others.
- Engage leaders to address systemic issues.
- Mediation and facilitated dialogue.
“Reporting bias incidents is a powerful way to have your voice heard and to effect change. We want to hear from you. Reporting bias incidents helps Indiana University create a more inclusive environment and support those affected,” notes Wimbush.
The IU community can access a Campaign Toolkit-Bias Incident Reporting or request posters and other printed materials by contacting Elizabeth Blevins, associate vice president for marketing and communications, at eablevin@iu.edu.
Visit reportincident.iu.edu to learn more.