Why Report an Incident?
SIUE takes all reports regarding campus climate concerns seriously. Any incident that prevents members of our community from fully contributing or that creates an environment that limits the ability of an individual to work, study, or participate in University life must be addressed. Submitted campus climate concern reports will help us note patterns and trends in reported incidents, get a broader understanding of the experience of those on campus, and better understand the campus climate. Additionally, information gathered from reports will help us identify gaps in education, resources and support for our community. This provides an opportunity for those gaps, made visible, to be filled.
Bias is considered a campus climate concern because it often contributes to or creates an unsafe/unwelcoming environment. Bias incidents may not always fit within the parameters of a formal complaint process but warrant a response to remedy any harm done to an individual, group or community. The University recognizes that unintentional bias-related incidents occur and will take an educational (non-disciplinary) approach to resolution when possible, while intentional bias-related incidents may be handled through appropriate disciplinary systems (e.g. Student Code of Conduct). It is also important to note that while an incident is an offense and hurtful, it may not rise to the level of a crime or disciplinary action.
When an incident is investigated as a bias incident committed by students, violations of the student code of conduct may be considered. Bias incidents committed by faculty and staff may violate the university's non-harassment and non-discrimination policies and will be handled by an appropriate office or department such as Human Resources, the Equal Opportunity, Access, and Title IX Coordination Office, or the Office of the Provost.
In addition, campus climate concern reporting or investigation of bias incidents is not intended to prohibit or discourage the exchange of ideas that occur in the classroom or workplace. SIUE is committed to the principles of free speech and academic freedom.
If you are unsure whether the concern at hand is a campus climate concern, speak to someone in the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub at 618-650-3180.
Incidents that are criminal in nature should be reported to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Department at 618-650-3180.
Illinois Protected Classes
The following are protected classes under the Illinois Human Rights Ac (775 ILCS 5/).
- Age
- Ancestry
- Citizenship
- Color
- Creed
- Ethnicity
- Genetic information
- Gender identity or expression
- Immigration status
- Marital/civil union/domestic partnership status
- Military service
- National origin or Nationality
- Physical or mental disability
- Race
- Religion
- Sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity)
- Sexual orientation or sexuality
- Veteran status
- Or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law
What is a Bias Incident?
- A bias incident is an action, behavior or expression against an individual’s or a group’s actual or perceived identity.
- A bias incident may take the form of a verbal interaction, cyber interaction, physical interaction or interaction with property.
- Bias incidents occur whether the act is intentional or unintentional and may be based on protected identities, but not limited to age, race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, gender identity and expression, national origin, genetic information, citizenship status, political affiliation, marital/civil union status, or military/veteran status.
What is Discriminatory Harassment?
Discriminatory Harassment is also a campus climate concern. Any form of discriminatory harassment violates SIUE's commitment to maintain an environment in which ideas are pursued free of intimidation or fear, and our Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy (2C7 & 3C6) applies to admissions, employment, access to and treatment in all University programs and activities. At SIUE, “Discriminatory harassment includes, but is not limited to, conduct (oral, written, visual or physical) directed against any person or group of persons because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation including gender identity, marital status, civil union status, age, physical or mental disability, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service that has the purpose of, or reasonably foreseeable effect of, creating an offensive, demeaning, intimidating or hostile environment for that person or group of persons. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, objectionable epithets, demeaning depictions or treatment, and threatened or actual abuse or harm.
Harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited and may also be a violation of federal and or state laws. All members of the University community are encouraged to report promptly any conduct that could be in violation of this policy. Discrimination is also a violation of Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA).”
Examples of Behaviors that may be Considered Campus Climate Concerns
- An interpersonal interaction in a class or program; on campus or online;
- Written communications such as a comment, email, flyer, or graffiti; or
- Something that physically or otherwise enables or hinders access to the University or its programs or services.
Report a Campus Climate Concern
If you feel you have experienced or witnessed an incident that is a campus climate concern please consider reporting the incident.
SIUE Campus Climate Concern Reporting Form
Students, faculty and staff may also report a campus climate concern in person or by phone to:
- Office of the Dean of Students: 618-650-2020, 2306 Rendleman Hall, second floor, next to Financial Aid
- Counseling Services: 618-650-2842
- The Office of Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination: 618-650-2333, 3316 Rendleman Hall, Chancellor’s Suite
- University Housing: 618-650-4251, Central Housing Office, Rendleman Hall
- Human Resources: 618-650-2190, 3210 Rendleman Hall
- The Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub: 618-650-3180, Morris University Center, Suite 2049, second floor at the top of the stairs
- University Police Department: 618-650-3324, 99 Supporting Services Drive
Reporting parties will be encouraged to submit a report pending contact with any of the above offices or departments to formally report the campus climate concern.
If you are currently witnessing or are the subject of an incident involving destruction of property, violence or the threat of violence, or any other criminal activity, and you feel safe to do so, we encourage you to contact the police immediately at 911.
