The University makes a clear distinction between bias-related incidents prompted by intolerant behaviors and illegal discrimination based on issues of sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, sexual preference, sexual orientation, marital status, and veteran status. Matters of discrimination in the identified categories are handled by the Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. See Appendix 1 of this document for reporting procedures.
Student Life coordinates the University's response to reports of intolerance toward students that are specifically manifested as bias-related incidents. In defining intolerant behaviors constituting bias-related acts, the following definition is used:
An act of intolerance is any attempt to injure, harm or harass a person because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, gender, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, veteran status, military status, domestic violence victim status or ex-offender status.
Students are encouraged to report all types of bias-related incidents precipitated by intolerant behaviors.
The Vice President for Student Life or representative will immediately:
When a bias-related incident is reported:
If a bias-related incident should accelerate into a physical confrontation, witnesses should:
In the case of bias-related graffiti:
Many bias-related incidents may attract outside media. The Vice President for Student Life, in concert with the University News Bureau, has responsibility for all press releases or official University statements regarding bias-related incidents. No comments should be made to the media by unauthorized individuals.
In the event that a bias-related incident develops in any area:
Prior to the arrival of representatives from University Police and/or the Office of the Vice President for Student Life, staff members or student witnessing the incident should:
The University would like to eliminate bias-related incidents, but should one occur, assistance and cooperation by witnesses are needed to manage the incident intelligently and to see that appropriate steps are taken to assist victims of these acts.
Students should report all bias-related incidents to: University Police: 716-645-2222
Student Life: 716-645-2982
INCIDENT | IMMEDIATE ACTION | FOLLOW-UP ACTION |
When reporting:
Bias-related physical confrontation or injury. | Call University Police immediately at 716-645-2222. Identify clearly the location of the incident. University Police notifies Student Life. Student Life dispatches response team. | Response team will: Support the investigation as requested by University Police; provide support to victim(s) and others on site affected by the incident, arrange for immediate care if required; arrange for counseling if desired; implement rumor control strategies; manage information reported to the community; initiate a University response in collaboration with the Office of the President and other key offices as deemed appropriate; prepare a report for the VP of Student Life. |
Bias-related vandalism in a room or office. | Call University Police immediately at 716-645-2222. University Police notifies Student Life. Student Life notifies response team. | Same as procedure for bias-related confrontation. |
Bias-related graffiti.
Give specific location and description. (For example, profanity painted on the wall in the hallway near Room 415; or, in the ladies' room on the 2nd floor of Norton near Room 214 in the second stall, on door, etc.) | Call Student Life at 716-645-2982 and University Police at 716-645-2222. University Police take photographs and call Customer Service at 716-645-2025. Customer Service dispatches appropriate work crew to remove graffiti immediately. | Student Life meets with University Police to determine follow-up action. If graffiti has been directed toward an individual, the VP of Student Life or designee will meet with the individual to offer and arrange for counseling or other support services as desired. |
Bias-related mail, posters, or flyers. | Send or bring copy to Student Life, 520 Capen Hall. Student Life will notify University Police and forward copy. | Same as procedure for bias-related graffiti. |
Bias-related sexual harassment. | Call University Police immediately at 716-645-2222. University Police notifies Student Life. Student Life notifies response team. | Response team will: Support the investigation as requested by University Police; provide support to victim(s) and others on site affected by the incident; arrange for immediate care if required; arrange for counseling if desired; manage information reported to the campus and external community; and initiate a University response in collaboration with the Office of the President and other key offices as deemed appropriate; prepare a report for the VP of Student Life. |
Report all discrimination incidents involving students to: Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) 406 Capen Hall 716-645-2266; 716-645-3952 (fax)
If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, sexual preference, sexual orientation, marital status or veteran status, the following steps can be taken:
1. Contact the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office (EDI), 406 Capen Hall, 716-645-2266, for an appointment to report the incident. Victims of bias-related incidents constituting a crime will be strongly encouraged by the EDI Office to file a report immediately with University Police.
2. After determining the nature of the complaint, the EDI officer will attempt an informal resolution by talking with the alleged offender's supervisor.
a. After this, a meeting may be arranged to include the alleged offender, his or her supervisor, and the complainant. At this meeting, the EDI officer will act as a mediator in an attempt to resolve the issue.
b. If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of the informal negotiations, a formal grievance may be initiated.
3. Formal grievances may be filed with any of the following:
a. Within the University, through the EDI Office
b. New York State Division of Human Rights, 65 Court Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, 716-847-7632
c. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), 6 Fountain Plaza, Suite 350, Buffalo, NY 14202, 716-551-4441
d. Office of Civil Rights, Federal Building, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10276
4. Pursue civil action through the courts.
NOTE: The EDI Office will provide further details about any of the information listed above.
Student Life
University at Buffalo
315 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-2982; Fax: (716) 645-2260