Report Bias or Hate

A Bias incident is a 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 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 Support and Assistance Program in their role as a student advocate.

UW-Madison Bias Advisory Board 2023-2024 Members

• Dr. Beth Meyerand, Vice Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs, Provost Office
• 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
• Emmett Lockwood, Student, Associated Students of Madison
• Raul Leon, Asst. Vice Provost for Student Diversity and Scholarship Programs, DDEEA
• Tucker Copi, Campus Clery Act Coordinator, UW Police Department
• Karen Stroud-Phillips, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs/Identity and Inclusion, Student Affairs
• Heather Shimon, Science & Engineering Librarian, Libraries
• Dr. Jennifer Horace, Assistant Director of Bias Support and Assistance, Dean of Students Office
• Dr. John Zumbrunnen, Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, Provost Office
• Kathy Kruse, Associate Dean of Students, Dean of Students Office
• Kipp Cox, Director of Academic Services, Graduate School
• Leslie Stilson, Access Consultant, McBurney Disability Resource Center
• Luis A Piñero, Senior Special Assistant -Workforce Equity, Diversity Education, & Outreach, DDEEA
• Ryan Podolak, Associate Director, Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
• Sam Becker, Associate Director, Center for Teaching Learning and Mentoring
• Dr. Sarah Nolan, Director of Mental Health Services, University Health Services

The Campus Climate Incident Group is a multidisciplinary team at UW-Madison that aims to provide timely, comprehensive, and culturally responsive recommendations to the campus and its leadership. In addition, the group will respond to campus climate incidents that harm and impact UW stakeholders and the campus community.

• Co-Chair – Christina Olstad, Dean of Students
• Co-Chair – Raul Leon, Assist. Vice Provost Student Engagement & Scholarship Programs, DDEAA
• Cleda Wang, Associate Director of Residence Life
• Kathy Kruse, Associate Dean of Students, Dean of Students Office
• Jennifer Horace, Assistant Director of Bias Support and Assistance, Dean of Students Office
• Kelly Tyrrell, Director, Media Relations & Strategic Communications, University Comm.
• Jenny Bernhardt, Director of Communications, Student Affairs
• Liz Stanislawski, Executive Director of Communications, DDEEA
• Marc Lovicott, UWPD Director of Communications
• Sarah Nolan, Director of Mental Health Services
• Karen Stroud-Phillips, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Identity & Inclusion
• Kathy Kuno, Executive Assistant and Administrative Support
• Tonya Schmidt, Assistant Dean of Students

*Additional members will join the group at the request of co-chairs as the process of information gathering, assessment, and recommendations develops.