Although the expression of an idea or point of view may be offensive or inflammatory to some, it is not necessarily a violation of law or University policy. The University values and embraces the ideals of freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression, all of which must be vitally sustained in a community of scholars. While these freedoms protect controversial ideas and differing views, and sometimes even offensive and hurtful words, they do not protect personal threats or acts of misconduct which violate criminal law or University policy.
The Bias Response Team is not intended to replace or subordinate any existing structure or process for reporting and addressing acts of harassment, discrimination, or violence including but not limited to processes of the University Police Department, Office of Disability Services, Department of Student Community Ethics or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs.
Staff members in the Assistant Vice Chancellor’s office are required to report all
bias complaints that come to their attention. If this is an emergency or you wish
to report a crime in progress, please contact the University Police Department at
828.227.7301 immediately. Please use one of the methods identified below to report
a complaint.
Reporting Methods
Complete the reporting form.
- Report a complaint in person. Visit the Assistant Vice Chancellor in the Office of Student Affairs at Scott East. Normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm).
- Report a complaint via phone to the Division of Student Affairs by calling 828.227.7234.
- If this is an emergency, please contact the University Police Department at 828.227.7301.
This Policy shall not be used to bring frivolous or false complaints. If a complaint has been made maliciously or in bad faith, disciplinary action may be taken against the person bringing the complaint.