Susquehanna University is committed to assuring the campus is a supportive community in which all members feel welcome and supported, and that all students are able to pursue an education free from harassment and discrimination.
If you or someone you know experienced an incident that is not representative of Susquehanna’s commitment to being a culturally inclusive campus, you can share that information with campus officials via our Bias Incident Form. It enables us to respond directly to concerns through educational outreach, investigations/conduct processes, mediation and other methods. These forms are also integral data in assessing the overall climate at SU as it relates to inclusion, perceived safety and respect for multiple identities.
If you believe a person poses an immediate danger to self or others, or if there is an imminent threat, call 911 or Campus Safety at 570-372-4444.
How to define a bias incident
A bias incident targets a person based on age, color, religion, disability (physical or mental), race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or veteran status. Bias incidents occur when someone is subject to discrimination, harassment, abuse, bullying, stereotyping, hostility, marginalization, or another form of mistreatment simply because they identify with or are part of a particular group.
Examples
- A wall is defaced with anti-Semitic graffiti.
- A staff member tells a sexist joke.
- A faculty member makes a racist comment.
- A job candidate is not hired because of his age.
- A student is mocked for having a disability.
- A student is ridiculed for being transgender.
- A faculty member makes a joke about a student veteran having PTSD.
- An international student is verbally harassed because of where she is from.
Susquehanna’s Nondiscrimination Statement
In administering its affairs, the university shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Our policies comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Reg 34 C.F.R., Part 106) which states,
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Compliance inquiries may be directed to Grace Lowry, Senior Director of Human Resources, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1164, 570-372-4024; or the director of the Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
Bias Reporting Process
1. Report
A bias response coordinator receives a report of a bias incident.
2. Respond
The bias response coordinator contacts the reporting party within two business days to gather information about the incident. (Reports can be submitted anonymously, but an anonymous report limits the bias responder’s ability to gather information and respond to the incident.)
3. Evaluate
The bias response coodinator and the bias network evaluate the incident and consider possible responses. Responses will vary according to the nature of the incident and the individuals involved.
4. Resolve
The bias response coordinators and the bias network design a response plan and notify the reporting party of it. If the reporting party objects to the plan, the bias responder and the bias network consider the objections and decide either to revise the plan or to proceed with its implementation.
5. Assess
Bias response coordinators share data, patterns and trends with the bias network to create awareness and influence cultural change.
Bias Incident Reports
Reports of bias incidents for the past 3 years are available at the links below.