What should I report?
We encourage you to report any incidents that negatively impact our campus climate, especially those that are bias-related. We define bias as an intentional or unintentional display of hostility or bigotry in word or deed that a reasonable person would conclude is directed at a member of the Protected Category community based on race, national origin, religion, citizenship, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or past or present service in the military.
Bias incidents can take on a variety of forms, including but not limited to exclusion, discrimination, spoken or written hate speech or harassment, offensive visual representations, threats, vandalism, physical confrontation, and similar conduct or communications on or through social media.
The bias report form is not a substitute for a call to first responders. If you witness or experience any actual or threatened emergencies – such as violence, injured persons, a fire, or suspected crime, you should call 911 immediately.
Who can report?
We encourage all members of our community to report any incident of bias whether you are a complainant, bystander/witness, or a concerned member of the Protected Category community.
What happens after I report?
After a report is filed, it is reviewed by the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the Principal. From there, it will be assigned to the appropriate officials in the Principal's office for investigation. Behaviors that may violate the Code of Conduct will be addressed through the procedures outlined in respective Handbooks.
If you provide contact information on the Bias Incident Report Form, the official assigned to investigate the incident will initiate contact with you within 48 hours of receipt of the report.
Who can I go to for support?
In addition to the staff and faculty who will review and address the reported incident, a member of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council may be assigned to follow up with the complainant and others in the community impacted by the reported incident. The role of the DEI Council is
- to provide first response,
- to support students, faculty, or staff who are targets or witnesses,
- to refer students, faculty, and staff to available resources
- to promote dialogue and education within the campus community.
A word about free expression and academic freedom
St. Joseph’s Prep is committed to freedom of expression and thought as essential elements of an academic community. The Prep is committed to encouraging a stimulating and honest exchange of opinions. Freedom of expression and thought are as essential for a thriving academic community as are the guiding principles of our mission statement that emphasize civil social conduct. As a community of imperfect human beings who learn, live and work together, the Prep must honor both goals.