Reporting Bias-Related Behavior
What is bias-related behavior?
Bias-related behaviors are actions or expressions which may cause violent situations, create clear and present danger of violent situations, or which represent an attempt to demean, degrade, or harass members of the university community. Such actions would include, but are not limited to, acts of violence, physical, and/or nonverbal threats, harassment, slurs, degrading humor, or written materials such as epithets, graffiti, or other similar expression. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the university. See the University Policy on bias-related behavior.
Why should I report an incident?
In its efforts to stamp out discrimination in all forms, the university needs information about all bias-related incidents. Therefore, we need your help in making the Loyola community a healthy, productive one. Reporting an incident in no way indicates weakness or inability to cope on your own.
How do I report?
1. If the allegation is against a faculty or staff member, contact CIU Director, Professor Lisa Martin, (504) 865-3428. If the incident occurs in the classroom, see the professor and/or the department chair. Please note separate procedures will be followed from those outlined on this page. You should speak to the appropriate personnel regarding the process in these cases.
2. If the allegation is against a student, file a complaint with University Police, (504) 865-3434, located in Biever Hall. All involved in the situation -- aggrieved, accused, and witnesses -- should file a report. It's helpful to us if you can identify relevant factual information and acknowledge what information you have gathered from hearsay, rumor, and/or innuendo. Understand that in filing a report, the university will act immediately, including whether discipline charges are warranted against an individual or group.
3. You do not have to be a victim to make a report. Simply observing or witnessing an incident is enough to file a report to the appropriate university personnel if you feel the incident could be detrimental to the Loyola community or its members.
What happens after I report?
1. Univesity Police will officially notify within one business day the Vice President of Student Affairs who will contact you and request an immediate meeting where you will be advised of university policy and procedure. Counseling services and assistance to additional resources will also be offered.
2. University Police will begin an immediate and thorough investigation by contacting all those involved -- aggrieved, accused and witnesses -- and instructing them to submit a statement. Please understand that this investigation may take some time depending on the scope and nature of the bias-related behavior. Just because it seems like no action is being taken, much will be happening "behind the scenes." A thorough investigation is necessary to ensure fairness to all involved.
3. Within 48 hours of your initial meeting with the Vice President for Student Affairs, you will be contacted via phone or in person and provided with an update on the university's investigation. Every 48 hours thereafter you will be contacted until the investigation is complete.
4. At this point in time, the Vice President for Student Affairs will outline to you the university discipline process if charges have been brought against the accused student.
5. The goal of this entire process is to balance the care and concern we have for you, your rights and dignity, and the rights of the accused to due process -- all within the framework of social justice.
