WASHINGTON — A new protocol for reporting “hate-bias incidents” has been established at the University of Maryland. The move follows a wave of racist incidents and hate crimes at universities throughout the D.C. area, including the killing of a black Bowie State University student by an ex-U.Md. student, now charged with a hate crime.
While not all discriminatory actions are hate crimes, the university defines a hate-bias incident as an expression of hate against a particular group or toward a person’s perceived membership in that group.
Under the new protocol, anyone who wants to report an incident can do so either by calling university police at 301-405-3333 or by submitting an online form to the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct (OCRSM).
Reports are acknowledged, either verbally by police or electronically by OCRSM if reported through the online submission form. Both offices will investigate the complaint, particularly searching for patterns. The offices will then share the reports with each other and with the Office of Diversity (ODI). They also will consult with relevant campus administrators regarding necessary and appropriate action.
The Office of Diversity is hiring a Hate-Bias Response Coordinator to provide support to victims and assist with the effort. A system for notifying the campus community of incidents of hate is in the final stages of development as well, according to a news release from the University of Maryland.
“I believe this is an important step forward in maintaining a campus community deeply rooted in equity, diversity, and inclusion,” said Roger L. Worthington, the university’s chief diversity officer.
The new protocol has been submitted to a task force on inclusion “to consider how to best nurture a climate that is respectful and inclusive of all members of the campus community, stands against hate and reaffirms the values that define the university.”
See the university’s full description of the new protocol.
