Bias Resource Team

The Bias Resource Team's coordination of the University's official response to bias-related crises should model and facilitate practices that are consistent with the University's values related to difference and inclusion. The role of the Bias Resource Team is to coordinate the University's response to bias activity that is likely to affect the University community and to ensure that individuals or groups who are adversely affected by bias activity receive appropriate support and guidance. The Bias Resource Team supplements, but does not supersede, existing University policies and procedures, and it supports the efforts of University offices and departments that address bias activity.

The specific activities of the Bias Resource Team will be tailored to the nature of the bias activity it seeks to address but may include:

  • Ensuring prompt, clear communication among relevant constituencies, units, and the University community as a whole
  • Coordinating support for affected individuals and communities
  • Promoting learning opportunities for the broader University community
  • Recommending policy changes
  • Ensuring that the response to bias activity is appropriate and, to the extent possible, transparent
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  • Bias Resource Team Guiding Principles
    • The safety of our campus and all of its members and guests is paramount. Safety has both physical and emotional dimensions.
    • Members of marginalized groups targeted by bias incidents should have a prominent voice in determining the institutional response to those incidents.
    • Meaningful, productive dialogue should prevail over impulses for revenge or retribution.
    • Dialogue is productive and meaningful when it leads to self-reflection and positive change.
    • Crises and the institutional resources they demand should not be allowed to derail positive change initiatives already underway.
    • In most cases, community-level responses are generally more productive than administrative ones.
  • Members of the Bias Resource Team

    Core BRT members are listed below, although other individuals may be added as circumstances require.

    Steve Bisese, VP for Student Development

    Joe Boehman, Dean of Richmond College

    Morgan Russell-Stokes, Dean of Student Equity and Inclusion

    Mia Reinoso Genoni, Dean of Westhampton College

    Dara Gocheski, Chief of Staff, Office of the President

    Kristine Henderson, Director of Compliance & Title IX Coordination

    Amy Howard, Senior Administrative Officer for Equity and Community, CO-CHAIR

    Glyn Hughes, Director of Institutional Equity & Inclusion, CHAIR

    Alfred Johnson, Captain, URPD

    Craig Kocher, University Chaplain

    Peter LeViness, Director of Counseling & Psychological Services

    David McCoy, AVP of Public Safety and Chief of Police

    Cynthia Price, Director of Media & Public Relations

    Shannon Sinclair, University General Counsel

    Carl Sorensen, AVP of Human Resources

    Student Government presidents (Richmond College and Westhampton College)

    Representatives from Students Against Bias