Anthony Baird

The BRRN is not a crisis response team – if your safety is at stake, and/or there are threats of immediate danger, contact the Office of Campus Safety immediately at (315) 792-3046.
The Bias Response and Referral Network (BRRN) has been established as part of Utica College’s commitment to fostering an inclusive campus climate and supporting members of our community when bias-related incidents or hate crimes occur.
Additionally, complaints from sources outside of the Utica College community are also funneled through this process and will be handled accordingly.
Nonetheless, when a bias-related incident or potential hate crime is reported, the BRRN coordinates responses to individuals and/or communities who have been affected by bias-related behaviors and potential hate crimes. The BRRN will be responsible for receiving reports of bias-related incidents, reaching out to the person filing the report and others as needed and formulating an appropriate response to impacted parties. If necessary, the BRRN will also make a referral to the appropriate investigatory person, team, or office. The BRRN provides support resources to impacted parties, promotes education and dialogue, and affirms the College’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, free speech, and academic freedom.
Based on the nature of the reported incident, the BRRN may expand the team to include additional campus representatives. You are welcome to reach out to a member of our community with whom you feel comfortable; however, if you would like for your complaint handled via this system, you must report the incident in written form by clicking the "Submit a Bias Incident Report" tab below, or you can visit the "Procedures for Reporting" tab for more options.
You may also wish to get in touch with the Behavioral Intervention Team, Title IX Coordinator, or one of the individuals or offices listed in the resources section of this webpage.
Please contact any member of the BRRN listed in the "Procedures for Reporting" tab for assistance or to learn more about this process.
Utica College is committed to safeguarding the free expression rights of all community members. However, biased and hateful expression can impact individuals and create division and fracture our college community in ways that must be addressed. Because bias-related behaviors frequently involve speech and other forms of expression, we believe it is necessary, and possible, to distinguish such forms of expression from the open and respectful expression of ideas and opinions.
Some points to consider when differentiating bias-related behavior from protected speech and forms of expression include the following:
In essence, bias-related behaviors fall outside the bounds of civil discourse and are not tolerated at Utica College.
At Utica College, you're part of a community committed to the pursuit of knowledge, meaningful academic experiences, and intellectual growth. In order to serve these goals, we recognize that we have a responsibility to create an inclusive community for you, in which all of its members feel valued, as well an obligation to build a community that affirms, cherishes, and sustains freedom of expression.
Bias often stems from fear, misunderstanding, hatred, or stereotypes, may be deliberately or unintentionally hurtful and can occur in a variety of forms. A bias-related incident or bias-related conduct:
For information about how bias-related incidents are defined in our Code of Student Conduct.
UTICA COLLEGE CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
A person commits a hate crime when he or she:
For further information about how hate crimes are defined by the Code of Student Conduct.
UTICA COLLEGE CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
For further information about how hate crimes are defined by New York State law and the federal Clery Act, please see:
NEW YORK STATE ANTI-HATE CRIME RESOURCE GUIDE
NEW YORK STATE PENAL LAW - HATE CRIMES
CLERY CENTER - EXPLAINING HATE CRIMES
Both bias-related incidents and hate crimes consist of conduct that is motivated by bias. However, hate crimes involve a criminal act, such as threats of physical violence, harassment, assault or vandalism. Bias-related incidents do not necessarily involve criminal activity and may come in the form of microaggressions (sometimes well-intentioned but extremely hurtful and biased remarks from and behavior by others) and other noncriminal acts of bias.
Even though bias-related incidents may not involve criminal acts, they may still violate College policy and/or our community values, and can be addressed when they occur.
Please note that these examples are not all encompassing. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed a bias-related incident, please report it.
Discrimination is conduct that involves inequitable treatment of a person based on that individual’s actual or perceived social identity(ies).
The College reserves the right to discipline offensive conduct that is inconsistent with community standards even if it does not rise to the level as defined by applicable law.
Microaggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership or identity. It is important to note that those who inflict microaggressions are often unaware that they have done anything to the other person or people.
Cumulatively, microaggressions have the potential to create a “chilly climate” in which members of a group feel marginalized or unwelcome based on their identity. Repeated acts of microaggression could constitute harassment and be grounds for conduct action.
You have the right to report what you believe is a bias-related incident or hate crime without fear of retaliation. Retaliation includes intimidation, threats, harassment, and other adverse action based on your having filed a bias-related incident report. For example, it would be retaliatory to intimidate someone, or to shun them from a student organization, in retribution for the person having made complaints. It would also be retaliatory to use social media as a means to negatively influence the reporting person or anyone who might be involved if an investigation results from a report.
Any person who files a bias-related incident report in good faith, who serves as a witness during an investigation, or who otherwise supports the report, is protected against retaliation. When evidence of retaliatory behavior exists, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. If you believe you have been subjected to retaliatory behavior, please contact the Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards (if a student) or the Vice President for Human Resources (if an employee) immediately.
If in the process of responding to a bias-incident related report we find that the report was not made in good faith – that it was knowingly false or filed with malicious intent – the person filing the report may be subject to disciplinary action.
What is a bias-related incident?
Bias often stems from fear, misunderstanding, hatred, or stereotypes, may be deliberately or unintentionally hurtful and can occur in a variety of forms. A bias-related incident is:
Is a bias incident the same as a hate crime?
Both bias incidents and hate crimes consist of conduct that is motivated by bias. However, hate crimes involve a criminal act, such as threats of physical violence, harassment, assault or vandalism. Bias-related incidents do not necessarily involve criminal activity and may come in the form of microaggressions (sometimes well-intentioned but extremely hurtful and biased remarks from and behavior by others) and other noncriminal acts of bias.
How do I know if what I experienced is a bias incident?
Often, our gut feeling or instinct tells us that we have experienced bias. Talking it over with trusted colleagues, friends, family, or others may help you determine whether or not the incident was based on bias toward you. Educating yourself about bias can help as well. The BRRN and on campus resources can help support you in processing the incident and can share related examples of bias.
What about free speech? Are you trying to stop free speech or limit academic freedom? How are bias-related behaviors different from “protected” free speech?
The BRRN is committed to fostering robust and respectful dialogue within our college community, in accordance with Utica College’s Statement of Principles Regarding Expression. The team does not tell members of the College community what they can or cannot do or say. The team also does not have any role in investigating or disciplining any community members for their speech or expression. Rather, the BRRN’s aim is to provide resources and support for members of the college community who have been harmed by bias incidents, including those that may have stemmed from protected free speech; affirm the College’s values of equity, diversity, and free expression; and support the creation of spaces for more speech and dialogue around issues of social identity that affect our college community.
Where can I report a bias-related incident or hate crime?
If your safety is at stake, you have information about a hate crime that has occurred at Utica College or a Utica College sponsored event or venue, and/or there are threats of immediate danger, contact the Office of Campus Safety immediately at (315) 792-3046.
Generally, for all members of the Utica College community, one of the best places to report a bias-related incident or hate crime is the Office of Campus Safety at CampusSafety@utica.edu or (315) 792-3046. You can also report bias-related incidents or hate crimes through the BRRN online reporting form.
Students may also report bias-related incidents to the Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, an RA, and Area Coordinator, or Office of Student Living and College Engagement staff.
Faculty and staff may report bias-related incidents to the Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, the Office of Human Resources, the Office of the President, or the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
What happens when I report a bias-related incident or hate crime?
After submitting your report, a member of the BRRN will let you know your report has been received, provide options for action, talk with you about your preferred response, and provide resources for support. If a bias-related incident targets a group or particular community, rather than a specific individual, a member of the team will contact representatives of that community to discuss possible actions in response to the incident.
Such actions may include making a referral for investigation and conduct action through investigative offices as appropriate, such as the Office of Campus Safety, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Humans Resources, the Office of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, or local law enforcement. Incidents that are potentially Title IX related will be referred to the Title IX Coordinator for review and investigation as appropriate.
Other kinds of action, such as passive or active programming about bias-related acts and hate crime, facilitating meetings among those who engaged in the behavior and those who have been targeted and affected, will be discussed and arranged on a case-by-case basis.
If I submit a report about someone specifically, will they learn it’s from me?
The BRRN will make every effort to safeguard the identities of UC community members who seek help and/or report complaints of bias-related incidents and hate crimes and maintain the confidentiality whenever possible, given the College’s responsibility for supporting a safe and nondiscriminatory working and learning environment. While steps are taken to protect the privacy of all involved, the College may need to investigate an incident and take action once we know about an incident, whether or not the person making the report chooses to pursue a formal complaint through our conduct processes or law enforcement.
You do have the option to report anonymously if you wish. However, if you choose to remain anonymous, our ability to respond to a reported incident is likely to be limited. We will, however, track anonymous reports in order to keep a more accurate record of bias-related acts that occur in our community.
Can I talk with someone confidentially for support before filing a report?
We know that those who have been involved in or witnessed bias-related behaviors or potential hate crimes may need emotional or medical support. Confidential resources do exist on campus at Utica College that can also help you decide on the actions you wish to take.
A student seeking confidential emotional or medical care may contact the following:
Utica College Student Counseling Center
Student Wellness Center, Room 204 Strebel Student Center
(315) 792-3094
Utica College Student Health Center
Student Wellness Center, Room 204 Strebel Student Center
(315) 792-3094
The health and counseling services noted above are available to Utica College students free of charge.
An employee seeking confidential emotional support may contact the College’s employee assistance program, ENI, at 1-800-EAP-CALL (1-800-327-2255).
Any information provided to these resources will not be reported to other College officials in any personally identifiable manner. As a result, any individual making a report solely to such confidential resources should not expect formal action to be taken by the College.
Am I protected against retaliation?
Any person who files a bias-related incident report in good faith, who serves as a witness during a related investigation, or who otherwise supports the report, is protected against retaliation. You have the right to report what you believe is a bias-related incident or hate crime without fear of retaliation.
Retaliation includes intimidation, threats, harassment, and other adverse action based on your having filed a bias-related incident report. When evidence of retaliatory behavior exists, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. If you believe you have been subjected to retaliatory behavior, please contact the Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards (if a student) or the Vice President for Human Resources (if an employee) immediately.
What about false reports?
If in the process of responding to a bias-incident related report we find that the report was not made in good faith – that it was knowingly false or filed with malicious intent – the person filing the report may be subject to disciplinary action.
Why is the BRRN needed at Utica College?
Bias-related incidents and hate crimes have, and can, happen at Utica College. These incidents undermine the College’s efforts toward equity and inclusivity and cause distress and harm to those who experience them. Bias incidents limit the ability of members of our community to excel in our work and learning. Utica College has an obligation to address bias, and the BRRN provides a consultative and consistent way to do so.
I feel as though negative things like microaggressions happen all the time. What’s the point of reporting them?
Although microaggressions occur often, each one has an impact on the individual, and they have a cumulative effect on both individuals and communities. Reporting microaggressions helps tremendously in combating bias. The more information we have about microaggressions at Utica College (e.g., who engaged in the behavior, the identity targeted, where the incident occurred), the better the BRRN and other offices can focus educational programs, outreach efforts, and responses.
Where can I find more about Utica College’s principles and conduct codes that help inform the work of the BRRN?
Utica College’s statement of values, the Statement of Principles Regarding Expression, the Code of Student Conduct, and the Employee Code of Conduct can be found by following these links:
STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES REGARDING EXPRESSION
INFORMATION ON STUDENT CONDUCT PROCESS
If the incident I report goes through a conduct process, will I receive information about what happens as a result?
For students, a federal privacy law, FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), prevents anyone employed by the College from divulging information about a student, including the results of disciplinary process, without his or her authorization. You may be aware that there has been a response to your report through the conduct process, but will not be informed about the outcome. In cases that involve acts of violence, fuller disclosure is allowed to the victim of the violence.
There are similar restrictions for conduct action that involves employees of the College, whether they are faculty or administrative staff.
Is there a law that prohibits this behavior?
While not all bias-related behavior is criminal in nature, there is legislation such as the NYS Hate Crimes Act of 2000 and the Clery Act that are related to defining, tracking and educating about biases and hate crimes.
Can a group be considered to have engaged in bias-related behavior or a hate crime?
Yes. Members of a student group, team, office, or organization could act in a way that is motivated by bias, and such actions, if reported, would be addressed, although the process may differ from that of holding an individual responsible for their conduct.
While there are a range of behaviors that could be considered bias-related in intent and impact (see Definitions and Frequently Asked Questions), there are some incidents where preserving evidence and/or contacting Campus Safety directly is important in addressing the incident as effectively as possible. Some suggestions for those kinds of incidents are included below.
If you’ve experienced something that you believe would be considered bias-related behavior, but you’re not sure that it rises to the level of behavior that would be considered a hate crime as described above, you still have access to resources and this reporting process. If you’d like to talk with someone about your experience and about possibilities for responding to a possible bias-related incident, please either contact any of the individuals on the BRRN, talk with a confidential resource like the Student Counseling Center, or file an online report, and someone will contact you.
If you and/or witnesses want to remain anonymous, you may still report a bias act by using the anonymous online reporting form. Please note that our ability to investigate, if appropriate, will be limited by an anonymous report, but it will provide a record that may assist officers in resolving other cases. Anonymous reports will also assist the BRRN in keeping a more accurate record of bias-related acts that occur in our community.
If you feel that you are the target of or if you witness a bias-related incident or hate crime, you have a number of options:
The BRRN will make every effort to safeguard the identities of UC community members who seek help and/or report complaints of bias-related incidents and hate crimes and maintain the confidentiality whenever possible, given the College’s responsibility for supporting a safe and nondiscriminatory working and learning environment. While steps are taken to protect the privacy of all involved, the College may need to investigate an incident and take action once we know about an incident, whether or not the person making the report chooses to pursue a formal complaint through our conduct processes or law enforcement.
You do have the option to report anonymously if you wish. However, if you choose to remain anonymous, our ability to respond to a reported incident is likely to be limited. We will, however, track anonymous reports in order to keep a more accurate record of bias-related acts that occur in our community.
Bias-related incidents can be very upsetting to not only the targeted person but also to the whole community. There are many offices at Utica College that can help by providing support to individuals or by providing access to community-based educational programs.
On campus resources for students needing assistance and support:
Student Counseling Center: Room 204 Strebel Student Center, (315) 792-3094
Dean for Diversity and Inclusion: Room 103 Strebel Student Center, (315) 792-3324
Asst. Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students: Room 103 Strebel Student Center, (315) 792-3100
Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards: Room 105 Strebel Student Center, (315) 792-3363
Office of Campus Safety: Strebel Student Center, (315) 792-3046
On campus resources for employees needing assistance and support:
Office of Human Resources: Room 124 White Hall, (315) 792-3276
Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Room 121 White Hall
Dean for Diversity and Inclusion: Room 103 Strebel Student Center, (315) 792-3324
NexGen Employee Assistance Program: 1-800-327-2255
Office of Campus Safety: Strebel Student Center, (315) 792-3046
Utica College is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, and accepts students and employs individuals without regard to race, creed, color, sex, pregnancy, ethnic or national origin, religion, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, citizenship status, genetic predisposition, domestic violence victim status, or protected status under applicable local, state, or federal law.
UC NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENTUtica College is committed to providing a learning and working environment in which all interpersonal relationships are based upon respect and dignity. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX) and the Violence Against Women Act, Utica College will not tolerate sexual or gender-based discrimination or harassment in any form.
Sexual Harassment, Gender-Based Harassment, and Sexual MisconductThe Utica College Code of Student Conduct details what is expected of you as a member of the Utica College community. In brief, we expect that you will abide by College policies, rules, and regulations; act responsibly and respectfully in your relationships and interactions with others; act with integrity in your academic work and as you participate in other activities; and obey all local, state and federal laws.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCTUtica College's mission rests upon a foundation of values that guide the College community's decisions and actions, including, but not limited to, individual attention for our students, lifelong learning, pragmatic approaches to teaching and learning, continual improvement in our educational and operational quality, and diversity of perspective, background, and experience in an increasingly global society.
UTICA COLLEGE MISSION AND VALUESWhen an incident is documented, reports are forwarded to the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards. If there is determination that a violation of the Code of Student Conduct has occurred, a charge letter to the student(s) involved is generated. The student charged with the violation(s) will be referred to either a Residence Life Administrator or the Director of Student Conduct. The hearing officer to which the student is referred is based on a student's conduct history and the severity of the alleged violation. A hearing will proceed to determine the responsibility of the student.
The Student Conduct ProcessUtica College employees are expected to conduct themselves ethically, honestly, and with integrity in all dealings. They need to be fair and principled in their official interactions both within and outside the Utica College community. They must act with due recognition of their position of trust and loyalty with respect to the College and its students, fellow employees, research sponsors, and donors.
Employee Code of ConductFor a general list of frequently used logins, you can also visit our logins page.