“Bias” is an inclination or preference either for or against an individual or group based upon their membership in a protected class that interferes with impartial judgment.
A “Bias Incident” is defined as speech or conduct toward a person or group motivated at least in part by such person’s or group’s identifying or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, or veteran status.
Worcester State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal employment opportunity, and affirmative action in its educational programs, activities, and employment practices. Worcester State is also committed to an environment where individual and collective biases (both conscious and unconscious), and its impact on the student and employee population, is acknowledged by all. To that effect and in accordance with the mission of the different Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committees and the University’s commitment to an inclusive campus climate where everyone is welcome, Worcester State encourages anyone who witnesses or experiences a bias incident on campus to report it through any of the applicable venues.
All reports of bias incidents are directed to the EO Officer and/or their designee(s). This report is then taken to the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) for review on non-confidential information, as soon as practical. For more information, please review the information under Bias Incident Response Team.
Bias Incident Reporting Form
Note: Reports may be submitted at any time, even non-business hours, however emails and reporting forms are not monitored 24 hours a day.
If you do not feel safe please contact University Police immediately at 508-929-8911.
Information about the charge, composition, and commitment for the Bias Incidents Response Team (BIRT), as well as published reports, can be found on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committees page.
The mission of Project Implicit is to educate the public about bias and to provide a virtual laboratory for collecting data on the internet. Project Implicit scientists produce high-impact research that forms the basis of our scientific knowledge about bias and disparities.
To learn more about Project Implicit visit https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/ and take a test to better understand implicit attitudes you may hold and may not know about. You will be able to review their data privacy and related disclaimers before you do so.
These modules have been created by the Outsmarting Human Minds Project at Harvard University. For direct access to the Harvard site and additional materials, including quizzes and articles, visit: www.outsmartinghumanminds.org
