The Pierce College Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) works to provide those who have witnessed or themselves become a target of an act of bias an opportunity to be heard and supported. Utilizing best practices in the field, BIRT collaborates with campus and community partners and resources to provide services to witnesses, bystanders, targeted individuals, offenders, and members of the community. BIRT actively responds to situations that affect the larger community through education about current and historical issues surrounding bias.
How do you submit a report?
In cases where a situation is of an emergent nature, first contact 911 or the Pierce College Campus Safety Department, and then submit a report to document the bias incident.
Why should you submit a report?
Reporting a bias incident helps to ensure our community addresses issues that impact our ability to cultivate the trust and cultural humility that are essential components of community building and learning at Pierce College. Reporting also ensures that members of our community receive necessary support and resources. Additionally, data collected from bias reports may be used to develop educational programming and outreach programs, assess current issues, and track trends.
What constitutes a bias incident?
A bias incident is characterized as a behavior or act – verbal, written or physical – which is personally directed against or targets an individual or group based on perceived or actual characteristics such as race, color, religious belief, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, or age.
What happens once you submit a report?
Once a report is received, it is reviewed by the BIRT, who will collaborate with campus and community partners to provide services and resources to targeted individuals, witnesses, bystanders, and members of the community.
Who is on the Bias Incident Response Team?
- Joey Adams, Director of Student Life and Engagement
- Josh Brown, District Director of Emergency Preparedness and Campus Safety
- Julie Draper Davis, Interim Dean of Student Success
- Kate Frerichs, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications
- Ha Nguyen, Vice President of Equity, Engagement, and Belonging
- Leigh Simon, Director of Access and Disability Services