Bias Education and Response Team (BERT)

SMU values intellectual curiosity, vigorous debate, and meaningful dialogue in the advancement of mutual understanding and new discovery. In that vein, bias incidents can hinder our capacity to work with, teach, and learn from one another.

Report an Incident of Bias
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Reporting a Bias Incident


If you observe or experience an incident of bias, we encourage you to file a report online through the Bias Incident Reporting Form to SMU's Bias Education and Response Team (BERT).

The BERT will provide information and referrals to resources, while also tracking incidents to examine trends and opportunities for education.

Alternatively, you may choose to file a report to BERT in person in any of the following locations:

BERT Incident Report Flow Chart

FAQ's About BERT

A bias incident is an action, behavior, or expression against an individual’s or group’s actual or perceived identity. Individuals or groups may experience bias based on, but not limited to: age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, gender identity and expression, national origin, genetic information, or veteran status. Such bias incidents may be intentional or unintentional and affect the individual or SMU community.

Not all incidents of bias violate the law or SMU policy. However, at times they are out of congruence with our community values of cultural intelligence, mutual respect, and inclusion. The BERT enables SMU to provide support to community members who file a report, keep records of bias incidents, and analyze trends in efforts to continually improve our campus community with regard to our values.

The BERT does not investigate, arbitrate, or replace other SMU procedures or services. Its purpose is to supplement and work with campus units to connect those who have been a target of an act of bias or those who have witnessed such an act with appropriate support and resources. The new protocol complements but does not substitute for University procedures regarding the reporting of discrimination, including sexual misconduct, to the Office of Institutional Access and Equity (smu.edu/iae or 214-768-3601).

 

After a report submission, the BERT will designate one of its members to respond to the reporting party within one business day. Upon communication with the reporting party, the BERT will assess the needs of the complainant and determine next steps.

If the action violates the law or any SMU policy, further action may be taken by the following individuals or offices:

SMU Police
Office of Institutional Access and Equity
Human Resources
Office of the Provost
Appropriate campus administrators (vice presidents, deans, or supervisors)

Yes, the BERT members will receive and review your report. However, anonymous reports limit the BERT’s capacity to take action.

The core Bias Education and Response Team is composed of representatives from the Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement; Women and LGBT Center; Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards; and the Office of Institutional Access and Equity.

As the team receives incident reports, the group will determine when or if other departments or individuals are included in the response process, depending on the nature of the incident. These responders may include but are not limited to Residence Life & Student Housing, International Student and Scholar Services, Violence Prevention & Support Services, and Caring Community Connections.