Bias Reporting Services

Our commitment

As outlined by the University of Washington Bothell Strategic Plan, the University of Washington Bothell is committed to increasing student, staff, and faculty senses of belonging on campus. We realize this commitment by embracing diversity in our student, staff, and faculty compositions. We aim to create policies, processes, and structures that identify and address institutional and interpersonal discrimination that negatively impacts both personal and collective success.

Bias reporting system

The purpose of the University of Washington bias reporting system is to identify patterns and trends of institutional and interpersonal discrimination so as to proactively develop campus learning and strategies that may eliminate future bias incidents.

What is a bias incident?

The University of Washington bias reporting system specifically considers incidents of bias to be actions or situations that discriminate, harm, or stereotype on the basis of identities such as race, ethnicity, immigration status, caste, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, and disability.

Reasons to submit a report:

  • You experienced an incident of bias or perceived bias toward yourself
  • You observed an incident of bias or perceived bias toward someone else

Please note that submitted reports may become public as subject to state law. If you intend to submit a report on behalf of someone else, please seek their consent to do so first.

Our role

The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion does not have the formal authority to act as a disciplinary or compliance body for the University of Washington Bothell. It is not the role of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to investigate or determine whether actions described in a bias report are in violation of any university, state, or federal policy. As such, the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion cannot take disciplinary action, overturn academic or non-academic decisions, or determine accountability as it pertains to a bias report.

Submitting a bias report does not initiate a formal complaint or formal investigation of any kind. To initiate a formal complaint process, please refer to the following University of Washington offices responsible for responding to, investigating, and resolving complaints: the Civil Rights Investigation Office (which includes the University Complaint Investigation & Resolution Office and Title IX Investigation Office), Organizational Excellence & Human Resources, Student Conduct, the Office of the Ombud, and each school’s Dean’s Office.

What we do

  • Refer reporters to the appropriate campus office or program that can respond in accordance with applicable University polices and principles of expression
  • Catalog all bias reports to identify patterns and trends of institutional and interpersonal discrimination
  • Assess ways to proactively develop campus learning and strategies that may eliminate future bias incidents
  • Continually improve the bias reporting system to best meet the needs of our diverse and changing campus

What we don’t do

  • Respond to bias incidents

Bias reports will be forwarded to the appropriate campus office or program with the authority granted by the University of Washington to address and respond to bias incidents.

  • Consult on individual bias reports or serve as an intermediary between reporters and campus offices or programs

For conflict mediation, please consult with the Office of the Ombud.

  • Conduct investigations

Should a reporter choose to utilize the services of the campus office or program assigned to their report, further action may then be initiated by that campus office or program.

  • Impinge on free speech rights and academic freedom