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BIAS — Bias Information Awareness & Support Process

Welcome to The Office of Institutional Equity

“Belonging means having a voice that is heard, and the opportunity to make that voice matter.” — John A. Powell

This quote captures a core truth about community life: belonging is not simply about being present, but about being recognized, valued, and able to participate fully. When someone’s experience is dismissed, minimized, or shaped by bias, their voice becomes harder to hear—and their sense of belonging is disrupted. Using Powell’s framing helps us understand that addressing bias is not about blame; it is about strengthening the conditions that allow every member of our community to feel that they are heard and that they matter.

At Rhodes College, we are committed to cultivating a campus where every person feels heard, respected, supported, and able to thrive. When something happens that interrupts that sense of belonging, it matters. A bias incident might be a message posted in a residence hall, an offensive joke, a comment made during class, or an event theme that demeans a particular group. These moments can affect individuals and the broader campus climate, even when no formal policy is involved or violated.

If a bias incident occurs or is perceived, we encourage the Rhodes community to employ the BIAS process by first submitting a BIAS report here.

BIAS — Bias Information Awareness & Support Process

Bias Information Awareness & Support (BIAS) is Rhodes College’s educational and supportive process for addressing incidents in which someone feels harmed, offended, or negatively affected because of their identity, even when no policy violation has occurred. The purpose of BIAS is to offer care, raise awareness, and help our community learn from experiences of identity-based harm. 

What Is a Bias-Related Incident?

A bias‑related incident is any behavior—verbal, written, digital, or physical—that targets or affects an individual or group based on personal identity characteristics such as:
race, ethnicity/national origin, religion, disability, age, or other relevant identities.

These incidents may include microaggressions, stereotypes, exclusionary acts, or other forms of identity-based harm. Bias incidents do not require evidence that a college policy or law has been violated in order to be addressed through the BIAS protocol. This approach is consistent with the purpose of the previous BERS program, which emphasized supportive response, dialogue, and awareness-building rather than disciplinary action.

What BIAS Aims To Do

BIAS supports the Rhodes community by:

  • Receiving and reviewing reports of bias‑related or identity‑based incidents to understand the nature and impact of the concern. 
  • Engaging impacted community members with timely outreach, care, and connection to confidential resources, when contact information is provided. 
  • Assessing circumstances of reported incidents and determining what supportive, restorative, or educational responses may be appropriate. 
  • Making referrals to the appropriate campus offices (e.g., Title IX, Community Standards, Academic Affairs, Human Resources, or Campus Safety) when a report suggests that a policy violation has occurred.
  • Sharing de-identified summaries and trends to promote community learning and to identify areas where additional education or prevention efforts are needed. 

BIAS is not a disciplinary body. Instead, it focuses on education, impact, and community well-being, prioritizing learning and supporting versus punitive action. 

 

When to Use the BIAS Process

Use the BIAS Process if you:

  • Experienced conduct that felt identity-based or harmful.
  • Witnessed an incident that targeted or negatively affected someone based on identity.
  • Want to share concerns, patterns, or experiences related to bias within the campus community.

Reporting helps the College better understand and address the lived experiences of its community and reinforces our shared values of respect, inclusion, and belonging. 

How to Make a BIAS Report

Important Safety Notice

The BIAS system is not designed for emergencies.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or experiencing a safety concern:

  • Call Campus Safety: 901‑843‑3880 (on-campus)
  • Call 911: For any emergency requiring immediate law enforcement or medical response
  • For urgent mental health needs: Contact the Student Counseling Center at 901‑843‑3128 (24/7 support available through after-hours services at 1-855-850-4301)

The BIAS system is not designed for reports of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or any other Title IX- related allegations. Any report of a sexual assault through this system will be shared with the Title IX Coordinator. The confidential resources on campus for reporting sexual assault are the Student Counseling Center and the Student Health Center Make a Title IX-related report.

Report an Online or E-mail Incident

Incidents of BIAS involving e-mail, online harassment, or other forms of Internet abuse should also be reported by filing a BIAS incident report.  The Director of Institutional Equity will contact you within three (3) business days.

What Happens When a Report is Made

All reports are reviewed by the Director of Institutional Equity, who will respond directly. The focus is on understanding impact, offering support, and strengthening our shared commitment to a welcoming community.

A bias incident may not involve intent, and it may not relate to any formal process. Even so, these experiences can influence how safe, included, and respected people feel. Addressing them is part of caring for one another and maintaining a campus where everyone can belong.

By using the reporting system, you help Rhodes better understand the lived experiences of our community and take meaningful steps to support equity and inclusion.  

This page provides clear, easy-to-understand definitions and examples of bias and related behaviors. These terms help our campus community identify concerns, understand available support, and contribute to a respectful and inclusive environment.

Bias Definitions and Examples

Below are clear, easy-to-understand definitions and examples of bias and related behaviors. These terms help our campus community identify concerns, understand available support, and contribute to a respectful and inclusive environment.

Definitions

Bias

A preference or belief—conscious or unconscious—that affects how someone treats or views others.

Implicit Bias

Automatic attitudes or stereotypes that influence behavior without someone realizing it.

Explicit Bias

Bias that is intentional, conscious, or openly expressed.

Bias Incident

Behavior or language that targets a person or group based on identity. A bias incident may not violate policy but can still cause harm.

Microaggression

Everyday comments or actions that are subtle but hurtful, often based on assumptions or stereotypes.

Harassment

Unwelcome conduct based on identity that is severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create a hostile environment.

Discrimination

Actions or decisions that unfairly disadvantage someone because of a protected identity.

Protected Class

Identity categories covered by law or institutional policy (e.g., race, color, gender, disability, religion, national origin, or veteran status).

Retaliation

Any negative action taken against someone for reporting a concern or participating in a process.

Reporter

Anyone who submits a concern or incident.

Respondent

The individual whose behavior is described in a report.

Anonymous Report

A report submitted without sharing the reporter’s identity.

Supportive Measures

Resources or assistance available to individuals involved in a concern, regardless of whether they pursue a formal process.

BIAS Team

A group of trained staff who review reports, offer support, and determine appropriate next steps.

Examples of Bias

1. Verbal or Written Comments

  • Making jokes or remarks about someone’s race, gender, disability, religion, or other identity.
  • Using stereotypes to describe an individual or group.
  • Repeatedly mispronouncing someone’s name after being corrected.
  • Suggesting someone does not “fit in” or “belong” because of their background.

2. Actions or Behavior

  • Excluding someone from a study group, meeting, or activity based on identity-based assumptions.
  • Mocking or imitating accents, cultural practices, or ways of speaking.
  • Displaying memes, images, or symbols that target or demean an identity group.
  • Regularly interrupting or dismissing someone in a way that appears connected to identity.

3. Environmental or Digital Bias

  • Posting derogatory or stereotypical comments about identity groups on social media or group chats.
  • Anonymous messages, notes, or graffiti containing identity-based language or slurs.
  • Sharing classroom or meeting materials that include stereotypical or demeaning depictions of identity groups.

4. Academic or Workplace Bias

  • Holding students or colleagues to different expectations based on identity.
  • Assuming someone’s abilities or limitations because of stereotypes.
  • Offering informal opportunities or flexibility to certain identity groups more often than others.
  • Requesting that someone speak on behalf of “their entire group.”

5. Microaggressions

(Subtle behaviors that may be unintentional but still harmful.)

  • Expressing surprise at someone’s abilities because of their identity.
  • Complimenting someone in a way that reinforces a stereotype.
  • Asking “Where are you really from?” or questioning someone’s identity.
  • Ignoring or misusing a person’s stated name or pronouns.

6. Bias in Decision-Making**

  • Enforcing policies or discipline inconsistently based on identity.
  • Steering individuals toward or away from opportunities due to assumptions related to identity.
  • Using personal preferences or stereotypes as a basis for hiring, recognition, or leadership decisions.

Important Note

Not all bias incidents violate institutional policy.
The Director of Institutional Equity reviews every report to understand the impact, offer support, and determine appropriate educational, restorative, or referral-based responses.

** This category of allegations will be addressed via the applicable policy in question and NOT the BIAS process. 

Have a Concern or Need Assistance?

If you're unsure whether something qualifies as a bias incident—or simply want to talk through a situation—we’re here to help. You do not need to know the “right category” before reaching out.

BIAS Support Resources

Experiencing or witnessing a bias incident can be stressful, confusing, or isolating. The resources below are available to help you process your experience, access care, and find community support.

Telehealth & Care Resources

Telehealth Services (24/7 Access)

Link: https://rhodescollege.myahpcare.com/telehealth

Students have access to virtual medical and mental health care through the campus telehealth platform. This service provides on-demand support for physical health concerns, mental health needs, and general wellness—at any time, from anywhere.

Telehealth can support students who:

  • need to talk to a licensed mental health provider
  • prefer virtual rather than in‑person care
  • want quick access to guidance after experiencing or witnessing bias
  • need flexible scheduling outside regular office hours

Peer Support Options

Kindly, Human: 24/7 Peer Support

Link: https://kindlyhuman.io/welcome

 

Kindly, Human is a peer‑to‑peer support program offering confidential, compassionate conversations with trained peer listeners.

How It Works

Students select the life event, challenge, or concern they are experiencing. The platform then shows available peer listeners who have shared similar experiences. Students can:

  • read short bios
  • view availability
  • schedule a time to connect
  • meet virtually with a peer listener who understands their situation

Important Account Information

  • Students must use their school email to access this benefit at no cost.
  • Students receive up to 60 minutes per month of peer support for free.
  • Remaining minutes appear in the top‑right corner of the student’s account dashboard.
  • Unused minutes do not roll over to the next month.

Create Your Account

Set up your free student account here:
https://kindlyhuman.io/welcome

Office of the Chaplain

The Office of the Chaplain supports the religious, secular, and spiritual life of the Rhodes College community. Students can contact the Office of the Chaplain for emotional and spiritual support, and to discuss religious needs.

To make an appointment, email your availability to chaplain@rhodes.edu. 

For more information, contact:
Rev. Beatrix Weil, Chaplain
*chaplain@rhodes.edu
Burrow Hall
*(901) 843-3815

*A note about confidentiality: The chaplain of Rhodes College can serve as a confidential resource when acting as clergy confidante to current Rhodes College students and employees. The email address and phone number listed above are not confidential modes of communication, but can be used to set up a confidential meeting. 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Student Counseling Center

The Student Counseling Center provides student support across the continuum of wellness from psychological symptoms that impair functioning to robust and resilient wellbeing. There is no charge for counseling sessions during the fall and spring semesters, and what you talk about with your counselor does not become part of your college record. During the summer, students who are attending summer school classes are eligible for counseling, and there is a fee per session. Some of the things that students come to the Counseling Center to discuss include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Life Transitions
  • Relationship Concerns
  • Feeling Overwhelmed
  • Substance Use
  • Trauma and Loss
  • Body Image, Food, and Health Issues
  • Sexual Abuse and Assault

 

Whatever you discuss in counseling is confidential. All counseling records are confidential, and they are not a part of your academic or administrative records. 

To schedule an appointment, use the Medicat Student Portal.

  • If you have not utilized Student Counseling Center services within the past year: Schedule an initial consultation to get established using the Medicat Student Portal.
  • If you have utilized Student Counseling Center services in the past calendar year: Send a secure message to your provider, using the Medicat Student Portal, to request an appointment.

You can also call (901) 843-3128 to schedule an appointment during regular office hours.

Not Sure Which Resource You Need?

If you’re navigating a situation and aren’t sure where to start:

  • The Director of Institutional Equity can talk through concerns privately
  • Telehealth offers licensed mental health care
  • Kindly, Human provides peer support with shared lived experience

You do not have to figure things out alone. Support is available 24/7.