Honoring the Dignity of Every Person
At College of Saint Mary, we are committed to creating a community rooted in Mercy values—where every person is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. A flourishing campus depends on the actions of each member of our community.
Bias, discrimination, or harassment in any form is not consistent with who we are.
What Is a Bias Incident?
A bias incident is behavior, language, or actions that target or negatively impact an individual or group based on aspects of their identity, such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or other personal characteristics.
Bias incidents may include:
- Discriminatory or harassing behavior
- Offensive or degrading language
- Actions that create a hostile or unwelcoming environment
Even when actions may not rise to the level of a policy violation, they can still cause harm and affect a person’s sense of belonging.
Why Reporting Matters
Reporting concerns allows the College to:
- Provide support to those impacted
- Address behavior in a timely and thoughtful way
- Strengthen our campus climate
- Uphold our shared values of justice and compassion
Your voice matters. Speaking up helps us care for one another and our community.
How to Report a Concern
Students, faculty, staff, and community members may submit a bias report if they experience or witness concerning behavior.
Reports can be submitted online through the Bias Reporting Form or by email: [email protected].
You may choose to include your name or submit a report anonymously. Providing contact information allows staff to follow up and offer support.
What Happens After You Submit a Report?
All reports are reviewed by appropriate campus staff. The College responds with care, discretion, and a commitment to fairness.
Depending on the situation, follow‑up may include:
- Outreach to offer support and resources
- Educational conversations
- Referral to campus policies or conduct processes when applicable
Submitting a report does not automatically result in disciplinary action. Each situation is reviewed individually and thoughtfully.