BIAS INCIDENT REPORT COMMITTEE (BIRC)

BIRC ensures that Loyola Law School supports students impacted by Bias-Motivated Incidents. Students who experience or witness any form of Bias-Motivated Incident are encouraged to report the incident as soon as possible to maximize the Loyola Law School's ability to promptly and efficiently respond.

Comprised of four members of LLS’s administration and faculty, BIRC has been created to fill the information gap that too often occurs when such an incident happens on campus.

You may choose to report in two ways. One, report by clicking the link below. Two, report anonymously by scrolling down to the bottom of the page.

REPORT AN INCIDENT HERE

What is a Bias-Motivated Incident?

Acts, which do not violate the State Penal Code, but originate in bias against someone’s actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity and expression, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, veteran status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other protected classification.

You may also report the following issues:

A general communication not directed toward a particular individual, which disparages a group of people on the bias of some characteristic such as actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Expressions of bias may violate student conduct code or other University policies; other expressions of bias may be fully protected expressions of speech.
Any speech, gesture or conduct, writing, or display that may incite violence or prejudicial action against someone based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, religion , sexual orientation or disability.
Intentional behavior which causes a person of ordinary sensibilities fear of injury fear of injury or harm. Bullying involves real or perceived social or physical power imbalance, where an individual or group physically or psychologically abuses those who are less powerful through repeated acts over time.
Acts, which do not violate the State Penal Code, but originate in bias against someone’s actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity and expression, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, veteran status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other protected classification.
Severe or passive enough to affect campus or academic life. Examples include teasing, jokes, derogatory or disparaging comments
Interactions, comments or behaviors that communicate a prejudiced attitude toward historically marginalized groups. The difference between microagressions and overt discrimination or macroaggressions, is that people who commit microagressions might not even be aware of them
Any other type of intolerant behavior.

What will the committee do when it receives a student report of an alleged bias-motivated incident?

When a student reports an incident, the committee will collaborate to investigate the allegation, determine the appropriate course of action and provide support and resources.
In the case of a bias report involving a student, the committee will work together to resolve the issue by having a conversation with the affected student(s) or faculty. For cases involving a staff respondent, the committee may have to refer the bias report to the University’s Human Resources (HR).
In complaints involving a student, the committee may coordinate any follow-up if appropriate with the Complainant, Respondent and/or any witnesses.
The committee will review the results of the investigation in a matter involving and, in accordance with existing policies and protocols, and determine appropriate future courses of action.

Reporting Anonymously & Retaliation

Reporting Anonymously

You may choose to remain anonymous. Even if you don't want or expect any action to be taken, having a record of all campus incidents helps the University to better address issues of culture, climate, and inclusion. Your report can make a difference.
The University takes these issues seriously and expects that they're reported in good faith. At no time will action be taken against anyone for good-faith reporting, inquiring about or seeking guidance regarding campus issues of intolerance. Your report is confidential.

Retaliation

Retaliation is strictly prohibited. All persons, including University faculty and staff, are prohibited from taking any retaliatory action against any other member of the University Community including, but not limited to, the Complainant, Respondent, or Witnesses to an alleged bias-motivated incident.
Any student engaging in any retaliatory action(s) will be subject to discipline under the Student Conduct Code.
Any student who believes that they have been retaliated against for having filed, or being named in, a complaint about a bias-motivated incident or having participated in the investigation of such a complaint, should promptly notify the BIRC committee.

REPORT ANONYMOUSLY HERE