Bias Education

Free speech, or Freedom of Speech, refers to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution that keeps the United States Congress from creating laws that prohibit free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom to assemble, or the right to petition the government about grievances.

While free speech includes the right to symbolic speech or even to not speak, it does not include language that is aimed at achieving results of violence or criminal acts and is likely to achieve it.

Important Terminology

• Bias Incident: A bias incident is conduct, speech or expression that is motivated by bias or prejudice but doesn’t involve a criminal act. Bias incidents may, however, violate campus codes or policies. Report Bias Incidents Here
• Hate Crime: A hate crime is a criminal act (such as physical assault, intimidation, arson or vandalism) that is motivated by bias. Biases included in hate crime statutes may include race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender and disability.

Students who have witnessed or have been a target of a hate or bias motivated act/incident on campus or while participating in a University-sponsored activity should report it promptly.

Please Note: All reports will be evaluated for violations of university policy and criminal law. This form is NOT a police report; if you are in immediate danger, call University Police at 973-655-5222.