Frequently Asked Questions

• Bias-Based Incident: A behavior or act - verbal, written, or physical - which is personally directed against or targets an individual or group based on perceived or actual characteristics such as age, citizenship, color, creed, disabilities, ethnicity, gender identity, or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, immigrant status, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, use of service animal, veteran/military status, and other aspects of an individual or group’s identity which includes but are not limited to physical appearance, homelessness status or political views.
• A biased act demeans, intimidates, and/or threatens individuals, members of the group, and the community. Behavior or an act reflecting bias committed by students may constitute a violation of the Edmonds College policies and the Student Code of Conduct. A behavior or act reflecting bias committed by employees may constitute a violation of Edmonds College Nondiscrimination and Harassment Policy and Edmonds College Workplace Civility and Respect Policy.

Biased incidents include but are not limited to: intimidating or threatening telephone calls, emails (including US and campus mail), texts, social media platforms, harassment, graffiti, bullying, threats, vandalism, damage or destruction of property, the use of oral or written expression of bias involving degrading language or stereotypes if there is evidence that the target or victim was chosen because of a characteristic such as those listed above.

What might a bias incident look like? Bias incidents vary in what they ‘may look like,’ and there is no way to describe all the ways bias may appear on campus. Examples of bias incidents are:

• Comments that express harmful stereotypes about the above categories, e.g., racial jokes
• Graffiti or literature that expresses bias against the above categories, e.g., sexist or racist language or images (Note: If the graffiti constitutes criminal vandalism or property damage, it can constitute a hate crime.)
• Language and imagery that objectify women
• Intimidating or threatening telephone calls, emails (including US and campus mail), texts, social media platforms

A hate crime is a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity. Hate Crimes — FBI

RCW 9A.36.080: Hate crime offense—Definition and criminal penalty.

The college is committed to creating a safe learning environment for all its members. Reporting incidents of bias, hate, harassment, or discrimination creates awareness and influences change on campus. It also allows individuals to share their experiences and determine what next steps are available to them.

Yes. To increase the likelihood of students, staff, and faculty submitting reports, we created an online report form that can be submitted anonymously. We want to obtain information regarding our students' experiences, and this tool is a mechanism for accomplishing that goal. We cannot respond to anonymous reporters, but we welcome the contribution to collective knowledge.

When reporting online or by telephone, please give as much information as possible.

The right to privacy is strictly upheld for all parties. We will not freely share your identity with anyone without prior permission, but we cannot guarantee absolute anonymity. We will not disclose student records without prior written consent, with few exceptions, as defined in CFR § 99.31(a)(8), § 99.31(a)(10), § 99.31(a)(15), or any other provision in § 99.31(a). Please consider that data collected by the college is subject to public records requests, and students have the right to review their educational records (See Release of Records: WAC 132U-280-030).

Retaliation by, for, or against any participant (complainant, respondent, or witness) is expressly prohibited. Retaliatory action of any kind taken against individuals as a result of seeking redress under WAC 132U-300-030 or serving as a witness in a subsequent investigation dealing with harassment/discrimination is prohibited and is conduct subject to discipline.

A member of the Bias Response Team (BRT) will review the report and determine the next steps. You will receive a reply stating that we have received the report. The information will be maintained in our database, providing an overall picture of what our students, staff, and faculty are experiencing. If you want to discuss the matter further and provide contact information, we will contact you to gather more information and provide resources as needed. The committee or designee will determine what kind of follow-up activity may be called for, such as asking facilities services to remove graffiti or reaching out to the affected individual, department, or community to provide support.

It is important to note that the Bias Response Team (BRT) is neither an investigative nor an oversight body. In the vast majority of cases, it will be entirely up to the person making the report to decide if they want to have a formal investigation initiated. If you submit a report and provide contact information, the team or designee can let you know your options for having the matter investigated and give information on relevant resources. In rare instances, we may be compelled by law to report a matter to the appropriate investigative body (Student Conduct, Title IX). This would be most likely if the safety of a minor appears to be at risk or a direct threat of violence has occurred.

To file a report, follow the prompts on the Incident Reporting Form.