Boston College
UGBC Student Assembly
Meredith McCaffrey ’17, Executive Vice President

A Resolution Concerning Bias Incidents

Sponsor:
Sen. Devin Liu, CSOM ‘19
Identities Committee
Cosponsor:
Sen. Gianina Chua, MCAS ‘18
Identities Committee

 LEGAL PREAMBLE

Whereas: Article 4, Section 2, Subpoint B of the UGBC Constitution states that “The Student
Assembly shall be the final authority on all matters of policy, which concern the UGBC”
Whereas: Article 4, Section 2, Supoint E of the UGBC Constitution states that “The Student
Assembly shall have the power to make recommendations to other legislative and administrative
bodies and officials concerning the welfare of the General Student Body.”

SITUATIONAL PREAMBLE

Noting: In recent months, whether on campus or throughout America, numerous acts of
prejudice have occurred, prompting strong reactions on campus. Rallies and campaigns have
been held by students to voice the injustice and curb the seemingly increasing acts of
discrimination, such as the defacement of the parking lot sign with an anti-gay slur that happened
during the election. These increasing acts of discrimination are also visible in the recent
discussions of political opinions, with profound enmity stemming from the presidential election.
Further Noting: The controversial rhetoric surrounding the widely discussed campaign for
presidency has encouraged and augmented the dormant prejudices that many Americans hold.
Following the election results, individuals within our community have voiced their hateful biases
and will continue to do so, causing many, especially minority groups, to question the fragile
inclusivity of our American society.
Acknowledging: The University recognizes the importance of providing a neutral social climate
that fosters free exchange of opinion and discussion. “At Boston College we must vigorously
pursue an academic, work, and social environment that is fair and founded upon mutual respect
and trust”1
Further Acknowledging: “Boston college pursues [its mission] by . . . fostering . . .
development and the religious, ethical and personal formation of its undergraduate, graduate, and
professional students in order to prepare them for citizenship, service and leadership in a global
society.”2.
Further Acknowledging: Although the eminent future of America is unclear, it is imperative
that Boston College take a proactive interest in protecting its community. “Boston college
pursues [its mission] . . . by committing itself to advance the dialogue between . . . elements of
culture through the intellectual inquiry, teaching, and learning, and the community life that form
the University”2.

 Further Acknowledging: With scattered resources and a convoluted channeling of information,
the bias incident policies currently in place lack the ability to adequately address offensive
behavior motivated by prejudices. Boston College Office of Student Affairs (VPSA), currently
suggests that bias incidents be reported in any way, whether by email or contacting the VPSA
and DOS (Dean of Students) offices. However, without an apparent and consolidated means of
procedure, students rarely, if ever, utilize the supposed resources.
Further Acknowledging: Bias Incident Reporting programs are ubiquitous among universities
tantamount to Boston College. Whether Jesuit, comparable in ranking, or elite, other schools
pledge and actively adhere to their commitment to protecting their respective communities.
Many of these universities maintain articulated websites which distinguish hate crimes and bias
incidents. A few notable examples include Notre Dame University, Harvard University, Boston
University, Tufts University, Northeastern University, Georgetown University, and Emory
University.
Further Acknowledging: Of the universities which have enacted competent Bias Incident
Reporting policies, it is customary to hire expert third parties and consultants dedicated to
designing operations which unify the university’s pertinent resources. Doing so offers a
nonpartisan external review of the current situations within a college.
Further Acknowledging: “Boston College fulfills [its] mission with a deep concern for all
members of its community, with a recognition of the important contribution a diverse student
body, faculty and staff can offer”2
Further Acknowledging: There are currently two reports available with one offered by the
Dean of Students and another by the Office for Institutional Diversity. The form implemented by
OID utilizes 17 questions and is to be emailed in, while the Dean of Students utilizes a form
hosted by Maxient3.

 OPERATIVE TEXT

Therefore be it resolved, the Undergraduate Government of Boston College affirms our
commitment to ensure the safety of and protect the diverse identities within the Boston College
Populace. We call upon the University to renew its declared concern for all members of its
community by instituting an efficient and united operation to investigate any reported incidences
of bias. UGBC’s AHANA Leadership Council will continue to work with the administration to
amend and reinstate the Bias Incident Reporting Team (BIRT) project.
The purpose of BIRT is to reassure and protect the members of the Boston College community,
providing an accessible means to report any bias incidents witnessed or experienced. With
representatives from Human Resources, Student Affairs, Thea Bowman AHANA Intercultural
Center (BAIC), and appropriate student groups, the BIRT ad hoc response team shall consist of
various authorities to competently address concerns. Included in the spread of team members
shall be those familiar with matters of gender equality, LGBTQ+, race, socioeconomic status,
immigration statues, religious practices, and ability.
In addition to defending the safety of the social environment, BIRT shall also act as an essential
research asset. The information collected will be relayed to the administration and its relevant
departments, such as the Office of First Year Experience, in order to provide critical data in
regards to patterns of bias that are prevalent on campus.
The immediate objective is to make the current means of documenting bias incidents easily
assessable. With the reporting forms currently in place, it is essential that they be consolidated
and included as a link in the Agora Portal. This means of accessing the forms will allow Boston
College to verify the credentials of a reporter without compromising their privacy.
We conclude that the Office of the Dean of Students has been responsive to recommendations
and inquiries made, and our priority is to assist the administration with the Bias Incident
Reporting policies.

1

http://www.bc.edu/offices/diversity/compliance/hate-crime-conduct-proto/hatecrimes.html
http://www.bc.edu/offices/bylaws/mission.html
3
https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?BostonCollege&layout_id=0&promptforauth=true
2