Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT)

To report a bias incident or hate crime, please click here: Submit a BIRT Report

任务 Statement

We at Saint Mary’s College of California cherish the inherent dignity of each member of our diverse community. Grounded in Saint Mary’s mission, three traditions, and the five Lasallian core principles, the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) strives to promote a safe, hate-free environment where all people can live, 工作, 和学习. BIRT’s primary roles are to recommend preventative education as well as report and respond to bias incidents and hate crimes.

What does BIRT do?

The Team operates on the basis of the Lasallian Core Principles to promote understanding, respect, civility, and education.

1. We assist students who report bias incidents. Our primary function is to support students who report bias incidents. We support them by listening to their accounts of their experiences and discussing resources and both formal and informal options for moving forward. The student is in charge of the process, and we will not take any action that is not authorized by the student. Students can make reports whether or not they want to take action.
2. We keep annual statistical records of bias incidents on campus. At the end of each year we compile a statistical summary of the reports received during the year.
3. We promote conversation about diversity issues. We also meet with student groups to engage in or moderate discussions about diversity on our campus.

What BIRT is not.

1. 我们不是 judicial or disciplinary body. We do not decide guilt or innocence and do not mete out punishment. We play no part in disciplinary proceedings.
2. 我们不是 investigative team. We 不 go on fact-finding missions. We take reports about bias incidents and, if the student wants to, we discuss options for how the student might move forward. If the student opts to file a formal report and initiate campus disciplinary proceedings, then an investigation will be carried out through that process, which is overseen by Community Life, 不是BIRT.
3. 我们不是 crisis response team. Anyone in a dangerous situation (e.g., a violent or potentially violent situation) needs to contact 校园安全 immediately. If the situation involves a bias incident, we can take a report at a later time.
4. 我们不是 thought police or speech police. We 不 tell people what to think or how to talk. We do support the students whose ability to feel safe, 在家里, and welcome in our community is frustrated by the prejudicial behavior of those around them.