Report Bias or Hate

Single or multiple acts toward an individual, group, or their property that are so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that they create an unreasonably intimidating, hostile, or offensive work, learning, or program environment, and that one could reasonably conclude are based upon actual or perceived age, race, color, creed, religion, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, spirituality, cultural, socio-economic status, or any combination of these or other related factors.

The above definition is used for reporting and statistical purpose only. It carries no independent sanctioning weight or authority.

Although the expression of an idea or point of view may be offensive or inflammatory to some, it is not necessarily a violation of law or university policy. The university values and embraces the ideals of freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression, all of which must be vitally sustained in a community of scholars. While these freedoms protect controversial ideas and differing views, and sometimes even offensive and hurtful words, they do not protect acts of misconduct that violate criminal law or university policy.

Incidents of bias can include, but are not limited to: microaggressions, slurs, degrading language, epithets, graffiti, vandalism, intimidation, symbols, assault and harassment.

The Dean of Students Office works closely with many other campus partners. If a bias or hate reporter would rather utilize another campus resource, they can connect with any of the partners below. These partners may have their own arsenal of resources, and can help fill out a Bias or Hate Reporting form.

The purpose of the Bias Response Advisory Board is to advise the process of responding to incidents of bias or hate and also support the Bias Response and Advocacy Coordinator in their role as a student advocate.

UW-Madison Bias Advisory Board 2021-2022 Members

• Dr. Beth Meyerand, Vice Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs, Provost Office
• Anjali Subramanian, Student, Associated Students of Madison
• Caitlyn Lomonte, Director, Office of Inclusion Education
• Cleda Wang, Assistant Director of Residence Life and Inclusion, University Housing
• Craig Mayer, Director of Maintenance, Facilities, Planning & Management
• Dr. Christina Olstad, Dean of Students, Student Affairs
• Vacant, Asst. Vice Provost for Student Diversity and Scholarship Programs, DDEEA
• Elisa Lopez, Director of Clery Compliance, UW Police Department
• Gabe Javier, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs/Identity and Inclusion, Student Affairs Heather Shimon, Science & Engineering Librarian, Libraries
• Dr. Jennifer Horace, Assistant Director, Dean of Students Office/Bias Response
• Dr. John Zumbrunnen, Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, Provost Office
• Kathy Kruse, Assistant Dean of Students, Dean of Students Office
• Kipp Cox, Director of Academic Services, Graduate School
• Luis A Piñero, Senior Special Assistant -Workforce Equity, Diversity Education, & Outreach, DDEEA
• Dr. Mick Miyamoto, Special projects coordinator for student affairs, Student Affairs
• Patty Cisneros Prevo, Student Life Coordinator, Diversity and Inclusion, Wisconsin School of Business
• Ryan Podolak, Student Conduct Coordinator, Office of Conduct and Community Standards
• Sam Becker, EDI Director of Teaching and Learning Innovation, UW School of Education
• Dr. Sarah Nolan, Director of Mental Health Services, University Health Services