Reporting Bias

Submit a Report

It is advised that the scene of the incident be preserved (vandalism, damage, etc.) until the University Police can investigate. Personal well-being and safety are a priority at the University. If you are involved in, or are a witness to, a bias incident, please make sure you are not in threat of possible or actual physical danger when reporting.

How do I report?

Faculty, staff, students, vendors, and visitors are strongly encouraged to report a bias incident or hate crime to the University. 

  • For immediate assistance or in the case of an emergency, please contact the University Police at x4911 from an on-campus phone, or (508)626-4911 from an off-campus phone or from a cell phone.
  • To provide anonymous information to FSU Police, send a text message to 67283 containing the word “FSUTIP,” followed by a space, and then your message.
  • To report an incident electronically, please fill out the Bias Incident Response Form.
  • Any Residence Life staff member (Area/ Resident Director, Resident Assistant, Student Desk Attendant, etc.) may take a report.
  • Any supervisor, chair, manager and/or director of a department may take a report.

Reports made anonymously will impact the University’s ability to respond or pursue appropriate action against the alleged accused. Persons reporting may self-identify or remain anonymous by calling the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement at (508)626-4515, the Dean of Students Office at (508)626-4596, or the Office of Human Resources at (508)215-5859 or by completing the Bias Incident Response Form.

Who receives my report?

Incidents reported electronically via the Bias Incident Response Form are sent directly to the Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement; Director of Equal Opportunity, Title IX, and ADA Compliance; and the Associate Dean of Students for Student Development.

FSU Reporting Options

Additional reporting options may be available. This chart highlights the most common reporting options and/or those offices with the most authority to address specific concerns.

  • Incident Occurs
    • Confidential Reports can be made to medical staff, counselor, clergy, or off-campus service providers
    • Report alleges hate crime or bias incident
      • Non-Confidential Report can be made to:
        • FSUPD
        • BERT Form
        • Any member of BERT Team
        • Community Standards (student behavior)
        • Director of Equal Opportunity in Human Resources (employee behavior)
        • Residence Life staff
    • Report alleges behavior that violates policy against discrimination and harassment
      • Non-Confidential Report can be made to:
        • Dean of Students Office (student behavior)
        • Community Standards (student behavior)
        • Director of Equal Opportunity in Human Resources (employee behavior)
        • Residence Life staff
        • FSUPD
        • BERT Form
        • Any member of BERT Team
    • Report alleges sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, and/or stalking
      • Non-Confidential Report can be made to:
        • Dean of Students Office (student behavior)
        • Community Standards (student behavior)
        • Director of Equal Opportunity in Human Resources (employee behavior)
        • Residence Life staff
        • FSUPD
    • Report alleges other violation of Student Conduct Code
      • Non-Confidential Report can be made to:
        • Dean of Students Office
        • Community Standards
        • Residence Life staff
    • Report alleges other concerns of employee behavior
      • Non-Confidential Report can be made to the employee's direct supervisor/department chair
    • Report alleges criminal behavior
      • Non-Confidential Report can be made to FSUPD

Bert Response Process

The process outlined below is not exhaustive of all possible response options but highlights the most common steps taken upon receipt of a bias incident report form.

  • Report received by BERT Team
    • Initial Review by VP of DICE, Exec. Director of Equal Opportunity; and Assoc. Dean of Students
    • Non-bias-related reports forwarded to appropriate reviewer
  • Initial threat assessment conducted by Team members. If potential threat is identified, matter referred to the appropriate full threat assessment team and/or FSUPD
  • Team member/designee contacts the involved and impacted parties to review report, provide access to appropriate resources, and review additional reporting options
    • Next steps will consider the experience of the victim and centers the victim’s dignity, wishes, and well‐being
      • When appropriate, efforts may engage the community at large or specific communities
      • When appropriate, the wider community will be notified of the incident and next steps (notifications are impacted by ongoing investigations, the wishes of impacted parties, and other privacy limitations)
  • Reports referred as appropriate
    • FSUPD: alleged violations of any local, state or federal laws (i.e.- a hate crime). Gender-based crimes may require permission from the victim prior to disclosure to law enforcement.
      • FSUPD will conduct an investigation, if warranted
      • Clery Act reportable crimes are documented in the Annual Security Report
    • Dean of Students Office: alleged violations of the EO Plan by students (discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, stalking).
      • Formal complaint options and procedures are available.
    • Director of Equal Opportunity: alleged violations of the EO Plan by employees (discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, stalking).
      • Formal complaint options and procedures are available.
    • Community Standards: alleged student behavior falling under other student conduct code regulations (see RAM Handbook).
      • Formal complaint options and procedures are available.
    • The appropriate supervisor for employee behavior falling under general workplace conduct expectations
      • Behavior addressed in accordance with relevant policy and collective bargaining agreements.
  • BERT Team reviews report, assesses trends and ongoing community needs, uses information to inform education and awareness activities

Response to Student Complaints of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic/Dating Violence, and Stalking

For complete procedures, please review the University’s Equal Opportunity Plan and Student Conduct Code.

  • Incident Occurs
    • CONFIDENTIAL: Report can made to confidential resource:
      • Voices Against Violence
      • Medical staff
      • Professional Counselor
      • Clergy
    • NON-CONFIDENTIAL: Report can be made to a non-confidential party:
      • Title IX Coordinators
      • FSUPD
      • Residence Life Professional Staff
      • Resident Assistants
      • Human Resources Staff
  • Reporting party requests no actions be taken in response to report. Requests for no action may be honored if the University has not identified an ongoing threat.
    • Supportive measures made available as appropriate
    • No on-going threat identified
      • No investigation process
    • On-going threat identified
      • Matter reviewed by appropriate personnel
      • University may require an investigation process
  • Reporting party requests action be taken
    • Report referred to Title IX Coordinator (non-confidential process)
      • Dean of Students/Title IX Coordinator for Students for allegations against students
      • Director of Equal Opportunity/University Title IX Coordinator for allegations against employees and third parties
    • Options presented to reporting party
    • Supportive measures made available as appropriate
  • Reporting party elects to file a Police report
    • Reporting party receives options through police and court system
  • Reporting party elects to file a formal complaint under a formal complaint process
    • Investigation conducted under the procedures outlined in the University's Equal Opportunity Plan (complaints against employees) or Student Conduct Code (complaints against students)