Bias Reporting System
The Harvard Graduate School of Design is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all community members are respected and feel safe to engage in their fullest capacities. As a mechanism to uphold our Community Values, we developed an anonymous bias reporting guide (GSD Bias Reporting System) to ensure all members of our collective are aware of the resources for reporting bias-related incidents.
What are bias incidents?
Bias incidents are the result of either intentional or unintentional conduct that targets an individual or group based on perceived or actual identity. Identity may include, but is not limited to, ability, age, ancestry or ethnicity, color, creed, gender, sex/gender identity or expression,
immigration or citizenship status, marital status, national origin, neurodiversity, race, religion, religious practice, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
How do I submit a bias incident report?
Any bias-related incident can be reported either by calling the 24/7 hotline or submitting an online reporting form.
- Call: A trained communications specialist will ask you a series of questions to understand the nature of your concern. Their role is to collect information in an objective manner. No calls will be traced or recorded.
- Web Submission: Complete an online form in which you are able to describe your concern.
- To ensure anonymity, you will receive a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) at the time of the call or web submission. All communication will be done through the reporting system.
All reports of bias are taken seriously; please note that the ability to investigate and respond to an incident may be limited if reported anonymously.
What should I expect after submitting a bias incident report?
All incident reports involving the Harvard Graduate School of Design are routed to the appropriate office: Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Office of Student Services, Office of Faculty Affairs, Office of the Dean,, or Human Resources. Harvard’s Office of Risk Management and Audit Services (RMAS), the administrator of the anonymous reporting system, will also receive the report.
- The appropriate office will review and respond to the report within two business days.
What steps are taken?
All reports are taken seriously; they are cataloged and tracked for trends.
- Data will be presented in an aggregated de-identified format to highlight themes and patterns related to the incident reports.
No two bias-related incidents are the same; therefore, all responses are tailored to address the concerns of those impacted. Depending on the nature and severity of the incident, responses may include, but are not limited to:
- Supporting the affected individual(s) through 1:1 consultations and referrals to appropriate resources.
- Reviewing the circumstance of the incident in a thorough and swift manner.
- Facilitating appropriate educational response.
- If an institutional policy was violated, disciplinary action may be taken toward the individual(s).
Title IX Incidents: In alignment with University policy, all Title IX incidents (i.e. discrimination based on sex, sexual harassment, and assault) will be referred to the Office for Gender Equity.