Bias Incident Response and Support
Furman University
Relevant Excerpt
The Bias Incident Response & Support (BIRS) policy is designed to supplement and work with campus units through connecting those who have experienced an act of bias (or those who have witnessed such an act) with appropriate support and resources
BIRS is not a disciplinary procedure and does not investigate, arbitrate, or replace other Furman procedures or services, nor does it override the responsibility or authority of any University office designated to address complaints of alleged discrimination, harassment, hate crimes, or other bias incidents.
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The BIRS Team offers support to individuals navigating the process of reporting a bias incident. Examples of support offered by the BIRS team include:
- Assigning a member of the BIRS Team for initial follow-up support;
- Connecting faculty to their faculty ombudsperson; Connecting staff to their staff ombudsperson; Connecting students to counseling services, chaplaincy, or Student Success Advocates;
- Connecting students to appropriate university offices to pursue reasonable measures such as housing relocation and academic assistance;
- Advising students and employees on formal grievance options; and
- Other support efforts designed to ameliorate negative effects that complainant(s) may experience.