Bias Incident Response
Bias Incidents
It is an unfortunate fact that some individuals become targets of hateful acts simply because others are intolerant of differences based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, age, or disability. At UCSB we strive to maintain an environment that is welcoming and safe for every member of our community. In the event that a hate crime or incident does occur, the Bias Incident Response Team serves at the campus reporting point, and can work with the impacted parties in coordinating a response.
Steps to Take if You are a Victim of Bias Violence
- If a crime has been committed, call 911. If the threat is not immediate, call the police non-emergency number (on campus, 805-893-3446).
- Save all evidence, including emails, letters, voicemail messages, the names and contact information of witnesses, etc.
- Write a chronology of the event to assist you in recalling the facts later.
- Report the incident to the Bias Incident Response Team using the online report form or by email (UCSBEthicsPointResponse@sa.ucsb.edu).
- Meet with the Bias Incident Response Team to discuss the crime or incident and response options.
- Reach out for support from friends, family, mental health professionals, and campus resources (listed below).
The Reporting Process
Reporting hate crimes and incidents, even those you might not consider "serious," is important in order to monitor our campus climate and prevent future incidents. By reporting detailed information on incidents, you can strengthen the case for possible action through our campus judicial system and also help us to identify trends that can be addressed by administration before more serious incidents occur.
If you are a victim of a bias incident or hate crime, the Bias Incident Response Team will present you with a variety of options over which you will have decision-making authority. Reporting a possible hate crime or bias incident does not "lock" you into a chain of events over which you are powerless. You will have input throughout the process, and the Bias Incident Response Team will support you in organizing whatever response you choose. You will be treated with respect and sensitivity, and your report will be considered confidential.
While first-person reports are preferred and allow for the broadest range of response options, anonymous reports will be accepted. You may report anonymously using the UC Systemwide form above.
If you decide to report, the Bias Incident Response Team will provide information about UCSB, local, and statewide resources available to you and effected community members, and will assist you in exploring and coordinating a wide range of response options. These options may include:
- Referral to and information about other campus resources and local organizations
- Referral to law enforcement
- Initiation of a campus judicial response
- Information about criminal and civil remedies
- Mediation
- Educational programming
- Assistance in communicating with local law enforcement or legal agencies
Helpful campus and local resources
UCSB Police Department, 805-893-3446 (911 in an emergency)
Isla Vista Foot Patrol, 805-681-4179 (911 in an emergency)
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resources and the Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, 805-893-5847
Office of Title IX/Sexual Harassment Policy Compliance, 805-893-2701
CARE: Campus Advocacy Resources and Education (resources for sexual assault, abusive relationships, and stalking), 805-893-3778
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), including 24/7 counseling, 805-893-4411
Additional resources for addressing campus climate issues are available from the Office of Student Life, the Educational Opportunity Program, the MultiCultural Center, and Dream Scholars/Undocumented Student Services
Download Resources for Impacted Parties of a Hate- or Bias-Incidents (PDF) for additional information