What is a bias related/discrimination related incident?

Bias related/discrimination incidents typically refer to acts or behaviors that violate campus policies and procedures and/or local, state or federal laws and regulations (in a discriminatory or biased manner) and is reasonably believed to be motivated by a consideration (real or perceived) involving a protected classification such as race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, gender, national origin, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, and/or as otherwise defined by state or federal law.

How does the college respond to these type of incidents?

Depending on the nature of the reported incident, the Bias Incident Response Team may, through appropriate College officials: 

  • Offer support, as well as information, about available resources.
  • Provide the reporting individual with information and resources regarding the investigative and resolution process, in accordance with applicable University policies.
  • Inform College officials and, if applicable, consult on the institutional response. 
  • Recommend or provide resources for community healing and outreach.
  • Assess avenues for minimizing or eliminating future bias incidents.
  • Encourage community members to participate in creating the culture they wish to see on campus.
  • Make recommendations for avenues of support for specific communities that may be impacted by bias related incidents.
  • Provide recommendations for changes to institutional policies and procedures if needed.
You are encouraged to report all bias related incidents by submitting an online Bias Related Incident Reporting Form.

The Bias Response Team

The Bias Response Team is a cross representative team of Purchase College community members that review, assess, and respond to crisis level high-impact global campus-wide incidents of bias and/or discrimination that may occur. This team is mobilized to determine necessary action and communications in a timely manner. 

The Bias Response Team is currently comprised of:

  • Betsy Aldredge, Asst. Director of Public Relations
  • Patty Bice, VP for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
  • Jessica Bullock, Assoc. Director of Student Engagement and Involvement
  • Lizz Elvira, Asst. Director of the Multicultural Center
  • Melissa Glazer, Asst. Dean for Student Affairs
  • Lisa Miles-Boyce, Chief Diversity Officer
  • David Sparnroft, Asst. Affirmative Action Officer
  • Dayton Tucker, Chief of State University Police

Note:

The work of the Bias Incident Response Team will not substitute, replace or override existing campus or external complaint processes, investigation protocols and services available to the University’s community. Reports that fall under Title IX including sex-based harassment, sex-based discrimination, sexual assault, and gender expression, gender identity, as well as domestic and interpersonal violence should be reported through the Title IX reporting process as explained in Purchase College Title IX Policy.