About Us

Bias Incident Response Group 

Reports of Bias Incidents submitted through this Reporting process will be reviewed and processed by the Bias Incident Response Group (BIRG) consistent with the procedure set forth below.  BIRG will ensure all reports are shared with or, if necessary, redirected, to the appropriate departments or University officials outside of the BIRG when necessary (this might include, but not be limited to, the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, Student Conduct and Community Standards, University Police Department, Office of General Counsel and/or Human Resources).

The BIRG is an interdisciplinary team of campus partners who respond to reports of bias incidents.  The list of the 2020-2021 Bias Response Group Member can be found below. The role of the BIRG is to provide support and resources to the parties who may be impacted by an incident of bias.  The BIRG will not perform any type of investigation nor is it empowered to take disciplinary or remedial action related to student or employee violations of policy. 

In all reports submitted to the BIRG, it will  work to achieve the following goals:

• Listen and respond to students, faculty, and staff who have experienced bias-related incidents. 
• Support students, faculty, and staff who have witnessed or been the target of bias-related incidents.
• Refer those impacted to resources or the appropriate university department to address the concerns.
• Educate the WSU community about bias, institutional policies, and bias reporting protocols.
• Partner with WSU leadership to review and assess bias related policies, procedures, resources, and responses.

The BIRG meets regularly to discuss the campus climate, share information, and engage in ongoing training.  In the case of emergent incidents, the BIRG or select members may be called to meet and determine a response.