Reporting Bias Related Incidents
Teachers College is dedicated to the promotion of equity, excellence, and the free exchange of ideas in education. Bias related incidents are those involving language and/or behavior which demonstrate bias against persons because of their actual or perceived color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, race, religion, and/ or sexual orientation. We also acknowledge that not all language and/or behavior that may be perceived as offensive to some is a bias-related incident, and instead may be an important part of an open exchange of controversial ideas and differing views at an academic institution. For more information, see: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/policylibrary/diversity-and-community-affairs/grievance-procedures
If you believe a bias related incident has occurred, it may be reported to any of the following offices and/or administrators by email or in person:
Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs; College Ombuds (confidential – to seek guidance about next steps); Vice Provost; Vice Provost for Student Affairs; Department Chair; Office of Access for Individuals with Disabilities; Human Resources; Office of International Affairs
Owner: Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs
Important Additional Ways to Report Bias Related Incidents
Despite the tremendous support we have witnessed students, faculty and staff show for each other at TC, we want to make sure everyone knows what they would do if, in fact, they are made to feel unsafe by the treatment of others at this time or any time.
Please see below for information on reporting bias related incidents, resources for support, and key policies and procedures to help create a safe Teachers College environment.
Reporting Bias Related Incidents
For Bias Incidents and Conduct Occurring at Teachers College
Teachers College is dedicated to the promotion of equity, excellence, and the free exchange of ideas in education. Bias-related incidents are those involving language and/or behavior that demonstrates bias against persons because of their actual or perceived color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, race, religion, and/ or sexual orientation. If you believe a bias-related incident has occurred, please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/8aEgR8nyXwtxWXME6
You may report to any of the following offices and/or administrators by email or in-person:
- Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs
- Division of Student Affairs: Associate Vice President & Chief Student Affairs Officer
- Human Resources
- Academic Department Chair
- College Ombuds (confidential – to seek guidance about next steps)
- Office of International Affairs
- Office of Access for Individuals with Disabilities
Safety or Health Concern: Report to TC Public Safety
If there is ever immediate risk to health or safety, please contact Public Safety at (212) 678-3333 or use the TC SAFE App, the official safety app for the TC community.
Support
- Students may contact Student Support & Advocacy (SSA) by completing this contact form or contact Columbia University's Counseling and Psychological Services for counseling and mental health support.
- Employees may access the counseling support through the Employee Assistance Program.
- The College Ombuds is a confidential and independent resource available to students, faculty and staff for resolving problems and conflicts. Members of the College community can use the services of the Ombuds Office when they need assistance or advice, or after other efforts have not succeeded. The Office provides information and explains options for resolving a wide range of problems and rectifying many situations affecting the academic or work life of members of the College community.
- All TC community members can contact Columbia University’s Office of Religious Life for religious and spiritual support.
Important TC Policies and Procedures
- Non Discrimination
- Discrimination and Harassment - Policy and Procedures
- (Applies to all staff, faculty, students)
- Grievance Procedures
- (Outline -where to seek help depending on your role)
- Employee Conduct Policy (MyTC portal)
- Faculty Handbook (MyTC portal)
- Student Conduct Code: Academic Integrity and General Misconduct
- Social Media Policy
- TC Bulletin Board
For Bias Incidents and Conduct Occurring at Columbia University (not TC):
To report incidents of concern, bias, harassment, or discrimination, please go to the University’s General Concern Reporting form. By completing this form, the appropriate University Officials can review, respond, and offer support resources. For information about the University’s bias reporting process, please go here. If there is ever immediate risk to health or safety, please contact Columbia Public Safety at 212-854-5555 (Morningside), 212-853-3333 (Manhattanville), or 212-305-7979 (CUIMC).
If you are participating in activities on the Columbia University campus , please be aware of the Rules of University Conduct.