Important Update: New Social Identity Harm (SIH) Reporting Process and Support Resources
Dear Vassar Students,
We hope this message finds you well. At Vassar, we are deeply committed to creating a campus environment where all students feel safe, valued, and supported. As part of this ongoing commitment, we are introducing a new Social Identity Harm (SIH) Reporting Process to replace the former Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT). These changes, effective immediately, are designed to better address and respond to incidents of harm related to social identity while ensuring everyone’s rights are respected.
Social Identity Harm (SIH) Incident
Social Identity refers to the ways individuals define themselves in relation to various social categories, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, socioeconomic status, and more. These categories often shape how individuals are perceived by others and how they interact with the world around them. Social identities can influence a person’s access to resources, opportunities, and privileges, and they play a crucial role in how individuals experience inclusion or exclusion in society.
Social identity is multifaceted, with individuals holding multiple social identities simultaneously, and these identities can intersect to create unique experiences of privilege or marginalization.
The SIH Reporting process collects reports to provide support to students affected by these incidents and gather data for further understanding.
It is not a conduct or investigative process*, though when all parties consent, it may offer a path to restoration and healing for the affected individuals or communities. EOAA, Campus Safety, and Community Expectations will review all reports submitted, and redacted versions will be included in the annual SIH report.
*If the conduct rises to a potential hate crime, unlawful discrimination, harassment, or violation of College expectations, the case may be referred to law enforcement or another appropriate campus process.
Social Identity Harm (SIH) Advocates
As we work to fully develop the Social Identity Harm (SIH) Advocates program, House Advisors/Administrators on Call (AOCs) will serve as advocates. HAs/AOCs have been trained in active listening, maintaining privacy, and connecting students with essential resources.
Free Speech and Inclusion
We recognize that many incidents that impact one’s social identity on campus may fall under the protection of free speech. This means that some forms of expression, while harmful or upsetting, are legally protected even when they cause discomfort. In these cases, the College cannot prohibit or punish such speech. However, when incidents potentially escalate to the level of hate crimes, discriminatory harassment, or violations of College policy, they are no longer protected under free speech laws.
The Social Identity Harm Reporting process focuses on addressing harm without regulating speech. While there are legal boundaries around free expression, we acknowledge that all individuals have the personal agency to determine how harm affects them and their communities. Our goal is to provide resources and support to help students heal and engage in dialogue, even when navigating difficult conversations around free speech.
Formal Reporting Process
In addition to or in lieu of filing an SIH Report, students can choose to formally report discriminatory harassment directly to the EOAA/Title IX Office. The office will review and respond to all reports involving protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, gender identity, religion, disability, and more. You will maintain control over how involved you want to be in any formal investigation.
- Submit a formal report online.
- Read more information about the College’s nondiscrimination policy and resolution procedures.
To conclude, we believe that these changes will significantly enhance our ability to respond to and support students impacted by social identity harm while also clarifying the capacity and limits of our responses. Your safety and well-being remain our top priorities, and we are here to ensure that all students have the resources and support they need.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
In community,
Dean Carlos Alamo-Pastrana
Dean Luis Inoa