The Reporting System does not create a new category of prohibited behavior or a new process for members of the College community to be sanctioned. Any report will be handled in accordance with existing staff, student, and faculty policies and procedures.

The College considers bias incidents unacceptable and contrary to our commitment to a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community. In the words of the College's diversity statement, "The College of William and Mary strives to be a place where people of all backgrounds feel at home, where diversity is actively embraced, and where each individual takes responsibility for upholding the dignity of all members of the community."

The Bias Incident Reporting System was established to assist members of the William and Mary community--students, staff, and faculty--in bringing bias incidents to the College's attention. The Bias Incident Reporting Team has two goals:

1. To contribute to a more just and diverse community by addressing in a timely and sensitive manner biased behavior that undermines the campus community.
2. To provide support for individuals affected by bias incidents.

The Reporting System does not create a new category of prohibited behavior or a new process for members of the College community to be disciplined or sanctioned. The Bias Incident Reporting Team has no authority to discipline any student or member of the faculty or staff. When reported conduct is subject to existing College disciplinary or judicial procedures, referral services will be provided by the Chair of the Bias Incident Response Team. For example, if conduct by a faculty member is reported as a bias incident, the matter will be pursued through applicable procedures set forth in the Faculty Handbook.