Bias & Mistreatment Reporting

What is Bias?

The Office of Diversity, Equity & Community Engagement (ODECE) defines bias as acts that are characterized by some expression of favor for or against a particular group or individual because of their membership (or perceived membership) in that group. Bias incidents may range from acts that are considered offensive to actions that cause harm. 

What is Mistreatment? 

Per the Mistreatment Policy, SMHS defines mistreatment as behavior that shows disrespect towards a person or group that interferes with the work or learning environment. This behavior may be verbal (swearing, humiliation), emotional (neglect, a hostile environment), or physical (threats, physical harm). 

All SMHS faculty (including the MFA), staff, and students can use the ODECE Bias Incident Response and Reporting System. All SMHS incidents reported will be handled by the SMHS Office of Diversity & Inclusion and/or other needed parties. 

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against or harassed may make reports as follows:

Resources for Reporting Bias - SMHS (students, faculty, and staff)

Resources for Reporting Mistreatment - SMHS Students

Resources for Reporting Bias or Mistreatment - Residents/Fellows

Resources for Reporting Bias or Mistreatment - MFA 

All MFA staff can report any issues or concerns regarding bias or mistreatment through Compliance360. When using Compliance360, please select the appropriate web form to report any incidents or concerns you have. 

Resources for Reporting Bias or Mistreatment - GW Hospital

"...Complaints of harassment or discrimination will be investigated promptly in an impartial and to the extent possible, confidential manner. If you feel you are being harassed or discriminated against in violation of this policy by another employee, supervisor, manager, or third-party doing business with GW Hospital, you should immediately contact your supervisor, department director, or Human Resources. In addition, if you observe harassment or discrimination by another employee, you should immediately report the incident to the individuals above. Appropriate action will also be taken in response to violations of this policy by any non-employee. Supervisors and managers have a duty to promptly report employee complaints and allegations of misconduct to Human Resources. Prompt notification of GW Hospital is essential to enforcing this policy. You will not be penalized in any way for reporting a harassment or discrimination incident." 

What is a bias-related act?
Generally, bias-related acts are characterized by some expression of hate or bias against a particular group, or towards an individual because of their membership (or perceived membership) in that group.  Bias incidents may range from acts considered to be offensive to actions that cause harm.

Although bias-related acts sometimes constitute discrimination (as defined under the University's Equal Opportunity Policy), or hate crimes (as defined by federal, state, or local law), not all bias incidents rise to the level of discrimination or a hate crime.  

Bias acts may be verbal, written, or contained in an image, or physical in nature. These behaviors often contribute to creating an unsafe or unwelcoming environment for individuals and social identity groups. Acts can qualify as biased acts even when delivered with humorous intent or presented as a joke or a prank.

What is a hate crime?
Under the District of Columbia’s Bias-Related Crime Act of 1989 (D.C. Official Code § 22-3700 et. seq.), a hate crime is a criminal act or attempted criminal act that demonstrates an accused’s prejudice based on protected characteristics.

Hate crimes under various federal laws have similar definitions. Speech that does not involve a crime, is not a hate crime, regardless of how offensive it may be.

To report a hate crime to law enforcement, please use one of the methods below.

By Phone:

  • Foggy Bottom Campus: 202-994-6110
  • Mount Vernon Campus: 202-242-6110
  • Virginia Science and Technology Campus: 202-994-6110


In an Emergency:

  • Foggy Bottom Campus: 202-994-6111
  • Mount Vernon Campus: 202-242-6111
  • Virginia Science and Technology Campus: 911


In Person: George Washington Police Department | Rome Hall 801 22nd Street, NW, Suite 101 Washington, DC 20052

What is the difference between a bias-related act and a hate crime?
Bias-related acts and hate crimes both involve behavior that is motivated by bias. However, there are important distinctions between them.

Bias-related acts are essentially prejudiced behaviors toward individuals because of their actual or perceived membership in a particular protected class. Some bias-related acts are not university policy violations or hate crimes. Even when offenders are not aware of bias, do not intend to offend others, or do not violate law or university policy, bias may be revealed that is worthy of a response and/or an opportunity for education. Bias-related acts are antithetical to the university's values of fundamental human dignity and equality, and they require the commitment of the university community to successfully address them.

Examples of bias-related acts may include:

Name-calling; using a racial, ethnic, or other slur to identify someone; or using degrading language
Creating racist or derogatory images/drawings
Imitating someone with a disability, or imitating someone's cultural norm or practice
Making jokes or using stereotypes when talking to someone
Use of dehumanizing, derogatory, or insulting language based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, or disability in person, in writing, on social media, or on whiteboards.
A hate crime is a violation of the law and could be investigated by GW Police and/or other law enforcement agencies.  Members of the GW community may be held accountable for such actions under the Code of Student Conduct or other relevant policies, in addition to action taken through the legal system.

Hate crimes are also motivated by bias, but in addition, they include a definable crime such as:

  • a threat of violence
  • property damage
  • personal injury
  • or other illegal conduct


What is discrimination?
Discrimination is the adverse treatment of an individual based on a protected characteristic, rather than individual merit. Examples of conduct that can constitute discrimination if based on an individual’s protected characteristic include but are not limited to:

Singling out or targeting an individual for different or less favorable treatment (e.g., more severe discipline, denial of promotion) because of their protected characteristic
Failing or refusing to hire an individual because of their protected characteristic
Failing or refusing to allow an individual to participate in a student organization or activity based on their protected characteristic
Terminating an individual from employment or an educational program based on their protected characteristic.
 

Academic Freedom
The university is committed to the principles of academic freedom, including free inquiry and free expression, and the vigorous discussion and debate on which the advancement of the university’s educational mission depends. Incidents of bias, hate, or discrimination that violate the university’s Code of Student Conduct or other university rules, regulations, and policies are not legally protected expressions, are not the proper exercise of academic freedom, and may be grounds for university disciplinary action.  Such incidents are taken seriously by the university and the campus community.

All members of the university community should recognize that bias, hate, or acts of discrimination impede one’s ability to participate fully in the community and compromise the integrity of the university.  As community members, we strive to treat all members with respect and dignity.