DEFINITIONS
Below are definitions of terms that are commonly used in conversations about creating a safe and respectful climate, as adopted by the University of Michigan. These definitions, however, should not be interpreted as legal definitions used to determine if a violation of law has occurred.
For a PDF file listing additional definitions related to crimes, see the U-M Campus Safety Handbook. PLEASE NOTE: requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the FREE Reader.
Assault – an intentional act, verbal or physical, that can be described as creating fear of physical harm.
Battery – an intentional and unwanted act of physical contact.
Bias – a pre-formed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons who possess common physical characteristics, such as skin color; or cultural experiences, such as religion or national origin.
Bias incident – non-criminal activity committed against a person or property that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s bias against a race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age or religion.
Campus climate – the general atmosphere of the campus as a unique society; the degree to which members of the campus community feel included and respected.
Civility – courteous behavior; the act of showing regard for others.
Creed – a religious faith or belief.
Disability – a physical or mental impairment that substantially affects one or more major life activities.
Disability Bias – a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons based on their physical or mental impairments or challenges.
Discrimination – unfair treatment of a person or a class of persons, without regard to individual merit, based on their membership in a group, personal characteristics, or perceived identity. See also the University’s policy of nondiscrimination, SPG 201.35.
Diversity – the variation of social and cultural identities among people existing together in a community.
Ethnicity – state of belonging to a social group that has a common national or cultural tradition.
Ethnicity/National Origin Bias – a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons of the same race or national origin who share common or similar traits, languages, customs and traditions.
Gender – state of being male or female, typically with reference to social or cultural differences rather than biological.
Gender identity – the internal sense of one’s gendered self (e.g. as a woman, man, girl, boy, androgynous) or of being perceived as a woman or man, etc.
Gender expression – how a person’s gender identity is communicated to others, through behavior, clothing, hairstyle, voice, and emphasizing, de-emphasizing or changing physical characteristics.
Harassment – unwanted negative attention perceived as intimidating, demeaning or bothersome to an individual. See also the University’s Interim Policy on Discriminatory Harassment, SPG 201.89-1 Interim Policy on Discriminatory Harassment.
Hate Crime – a criminal offense committed against a person or property that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s bias against a race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age or religion.
Hate Group – an organization whose primary purpose is to promote animosity, hostility and malice against persons belonging to a different race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or national origin which differs from that of the members of the organization.
Inclusiveness – creating a hospitable and welcoming environment; interacting with all members of the community without regard to individual characteristics.
Indirect Discrimination – a rule, policy, practice or procedure that is the same for everyone, but has an unequal or disproportionate effect for a specific group of people.
Intimidation – to influence others through fear or threat of harm.
Intolerance – an attitude of not accepting or respecting different opinions, practices or people.
Perceived Bias – biased behavior directed at another person based on characteristics that the perpetrator perceives the victim possesses.
Prejudice – preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience; dislike, hostility or unjust behavior formed on such a bias.
Race – a group of people sharing the same culture, history, language, etc.; a group or set of people with a common physical feature or features.
Racial Bias – a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons who possess common physical characteristics, such as color of skin, eyes and/or hair, facial features, etc.
Religious Bias – a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons who share the same religious beliefs regarding the origin and purpose of the universe and the existence or nonexistence of a supreme being.
Respect – a due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights or traditions of others.
Sexual Orientation Bias – a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons based on their sexual attraction toward, and responsiveness to, members of their own sex or members of the opposite sex.
Sexuality – a person’s sexual orientation or preference.
Tolerance – respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human; harmony in difference.
Transgender – a term describing persons whose gender identities, expressions or behaviors are not those traditionally associated with their birth sex.
Vandalism – the destruction or alteration of property (individual, public or communal).
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WHAT KINDS OF MATTERS SHOULD BE REPORTED?
We anticipate three broad categories of incidents to be tracked and reported. These categories include the following violations of law and/or U-M policies:
- HATE CRIMES (BIAS CRIMES)
The category of hate crimes includes malicious threats, damage or defacement of property, or physical contact specifically intended to intimidate or harass another person because of the person’s race, color, religion, gender, or national origin. See Michigan Statute on Ethnic Intimidation 750.147(b)
Incidents that meet these criteria are subject to state or federal prosecution, and/or disciplinary proceedings conducted by the Office of Institutional Equity, Office of Student Conflict Resolution and/or University Housing.
- VIOLATIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN’S STANDARD PRACTICE GUIDE
Violations of the University of Michigan’s Standard Practice Guide that include the following type of conduct:
- Verbal or physical conduct by a member of the faculty or staff that is based upon race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, marital status, handicap or Vietnam-era veteran status that adversely affects or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for academic pursuits, employment, housing or participation in University activities (SPG 201.89-1).
- Intentional sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature by an University employee that adversely affects or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for academic pursuits, employment, housing or participation in University activities (SPG 201.89-0)
- Discrimination in employment and human resource policies and practices against any individual because of race, sex (including gender identity and gender expression), color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientations, disability, special disabled veteran and Vietnam-era veteran status, and height or weight, except as allowed by the need for bona fide occupational qualifications (SPG 201.35).
See University of Michigan Standard Practice Guide 201.35, 201.89-0, and 201.89-1.
The Office of Institutional Equity will handle incidents that meet these criteria.
- VIOLATIONS OF THE STATEMENT OF STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBLITIES
The following behaviors contradict the values of the University community and are subject to action under the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Such behavior may be subject to additional penalties if motivated because of the person’s age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin or ancestry, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status:
- Physically harming another person including acts such as killing, assaulting or battering
- Sexually assaulting another person
- Sexually harassing another person
- Hazing
- Stalking, or harassing another person
- Stealing, vandalizing, damaging, destroying or defacing University property or the property of others
- Obstructing or disrupting classes, research projects, or other activities or programs of the University; or obstructing access to University facilities, property, or programs (except for behavior that is protected by the University’s policy on Freedom of Speech and Artistic Expression)
- Violating University computer policies
See Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Incidents that meet these criteria will be submitted to the Office of Student Conflict Resolution and University Housing for further action.
Even if a reported incident is not one that constitutes a hate crime or an incident that violates a University policy, we will learn from the reports and obtain feedback on how we can improve some aspect of the campus climate. Reports may result in individual education or new efforts to improve some aspect of campus life. In all instances, individuals who experience acts of hate, bias, harassment or discrimination should feel they have a safe space in which to report the behavior and receive support. The University is committed to provide such safe spaces and to support a comprehensive reporting mechanism for incidents of bias so that we may better understand our campus climate and work continuously to improve it.
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WHY SHOULD I CARE?
The University of Michigan is committed to the success of all our students, staff and faculty. By working to create an environment that values and celebrates our diverse community and fosters respect for every individual, you can help ensure that all persons can perform up to their full potential.
Acts of bias and intolerance can have a profoundly negative effect both on the person toward whom the discriminatory behavior is directed and on the University community as a whole. Making yourself aware of, and sensitive to, issues of bias is essential to creating and sustaining the best possible environment for learning, scholarship, creative activity, and working together.
The “Expect Respect” initiative was created for all community members to use and learn from. We encourage you to share these materials with fellow students and colleagues. Please contact us at umrespect@umich.edu if you would like to learn more or if you want assistance in organizing an educational program for your campus unit or student organization.
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REPORTING HATE CRIMES AND BIAS INCIDENTS
In case of emergency, please call 9-1-1 to be connected with the U-M Department of Public Safety (on campus) or the Ann Arbor Police Department (off campus).
Report a bias-related incident:
- By Phone. Call 734-615-BIAS (2427) to report an incident during normal working hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). If it is after hours, leave a message and a staff member will get back with you on the next business day.
- In Person. Following is a list of offices and resources that exist to support students, staff and faculty. You may contact any of these units confidentially to report an incident of bias, intolerance or discrimination.
- Online. Use the online reporting form on this website to report bias incidents
to the Dean of Students (for students) or the Office of Institutional Equity (for faculty and staff). Your message will be
directed automatically to the appropriate office.
If you witness or experience conduct that discriminates, stereotypes, excludes, harasses or harms anyone in our community based on their identity (such as race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age or religion) please report it to the University.
If you believe you have experienced a hate crime, you may report it directly to the Department of Public Safety (on-campus) at 734-763-1131 or the Ann Arbor Police (off-campus) at 734-994-2911. Even if you report it to DPS or AAPD, we would appreciate a report to the University’s bias incident reporting system for statistical and follow-up purposes.
If you are not sure you have experienced a hate crime and would like to discuss the incident, please call 734-615-BIAS(2427).
Faculty and staff who call the number during normal business hours will be connected to the Office of Institutional Equity; students to the Dean of Students Office. Staff from these offices will offer support and begin to discuss next steps with callers. Those who call the phone line after normal business hours should leave a message and a staff member will get back with them on the next business day.
To view a flow chart for incoming calls to U-M’s centralized phone line for reporting hate crimes and bias incidents, visit the Student Matters website.
Primary Reporting Areas
Office of Institutional Equity
734-763-0235
2072 Administrative Service Building
website: http://www.umich.edu/~hraa/oie/
Dean of Students Office
734-764-7420
3000 Michigan Union
website: http://www.umich.edu/~dofs
Department of Public Safety
Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 734-763-1131
1239 Kipke Drive
website: http://www.umich.edu/~safety/index.html
Additional Reporting Areas
Counseling & Psychological Services
734-764-8312
3100 Michigan Union
website: http://www.umich.edu/~caps
Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
734-936-8660
1009 Greene St., 2076 Administrative Services Building
Or 738 Dennison Bldg.
website: http://www.umich.edu/~fasap/
International Center
734-764-9310
603 E. Madison
website: http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Affairs
734-763-4186
3200 Michigan Union
website: http://www.umich.edu/~lgbta/
Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs
734-763-9044
2202 Michigan Union
website: http://mesa.umich.edu/
Services for Students with Disabilities
734-763-3000
G664 Haven Hall
website: http://www.umich.edu/~sswd
Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Center
734-998-9368
715 N. University, Suite 202
website: http://www.umich.edu/~sapac
Student Activities & Leadership
734-763-5900
2205 Michigan Union
website: http://www.umich.edu/~salead
Ombuds Office
734-763-3545
6015 Fleming Administration Building
website: http://www.umich.edu/~ombuds
Office of Student Conflict Resolution
734-936-6308
G121 South Quad
website: http://www.umich.edu/~oscr
University Housing
Speak with your Coordinator of Residence Education, Resident Director, Resident Advisor, Minority Peer Advisor/Assistant, or Academic Peer Advisor, or visit
http://www.housing.umich.edu/info/bias_protocol.html for more information.
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