Bias Incident Reports

BIRT received reports of a racist slur and anti-Semitic language posted in a YouTube video, referencing specific Vassar residence houses and utilizing footage from a 2004 Hitler movie. Some of the language also referenced violence.   Actions Taken: BIRT notified campus via email on April 25.  House Team met to discuss incident and support those affected. The incident was referred to the student conduct process within the Dean of Students Office. Outcome: The incident was investigated, and a formal panel hearing was held.  The result of the hearing was posted on the Dean of Students bulletin board (Main 160).

An administrator reported that a racial slur (N-word) was written in Expo marker on a bathroom mirror of Jewett House. Actions Taken: Campus email from BIRT sent on April 8. Safety and Security investigated.  The House Team in that residence met and discussed with residents. Outcome:  An investigation was not able to determine who was responsible for the vandalism and slur.

During an international study trip a student was accused of making homophobic and anti-gay remarks toward another student. Actions Taken: Representatives of BIRT met with both students and communicated with professors. The incident was referred to the student conduct process within the Dean of Students Office.  The Equal Opportunity Office also received reports from various parties. Outcome:  The incident was investigated and a formal panel hearing was held.  The result of the hearing was posted on the Dean of Students bulletin board (Main 160).

A student reported that an information table sponsored by a student group contained anti-Semitic messages. Actions Taken: BIRT met and reviewed the report. Outcome: BIRT determined that the information was within the rights of free speech and expression. Efforts were made to organize a dialogue amongst the involved students.

It was reported that a student organization’s event banner was stolen from the College Center bridge. The person making the report believed the alleged action action was bias-related. Actions Taken:  Reported to Safety and Security and Campus Activities. Outcome:  It was determined that the poster was removed properly by Campus Activities because it was improperly hung. Campus Activities met with the student group to clarify policies and procedures.

Campus-wide email sent with summary of late fall 2014 reported incidents and general information on BIRT protocols. View email