At University of the Pacific, we respect all individuals and embrace the richness that our diversity brings to us as an educational community. We recognize and honor differences, creativity, and bridging what is distinct to create an inclusive environment. 

Unfortunately, incidents of bias can occur, which undermine these principles. Please know we take such incidents seriously and are dedicated to addressing them promptly and effectively.

This page contains information about how the University responds to incidents of bias.

Bias incidents are acts of conduct, speech, or expression that target individuals and groups based on age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, geographic origin, language, marital status, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.

Bias incidents may violate the student conduct code and other University policies or laws, while other acts of bias may be considered protected speech or expression. Regardless of whether a bias incident violates any law or University policy, experiencing bias can be distressing and may trigger feelings of frustration, anger or hurt.

For more information on how bias incidents may differ from acts of hate, discrimination and harassment, please see the University’s Bias and Discriminatory Harassment Policies and Protocol.

For more information on how bias incidents may differ from Title IX and sex-based misconduct, please see the University’s Title IX/Sex-Based Misconduct Policy and Procedures. 

Submitting a bias incident report ensures your voice is heard and connects you to support. It also allows the university the opportunity to address and prevent similar incidents in the future so that we can continue building and sustaining a positive campus climate of inclusion and belonging—a climate where students, faculty, and staff feel like they belong and are included in the learning, living and workplace environment on campus.  

If you believe you have experienced or witnessed a bias incident, we encourage you to report it. To report, you can:

  • Fill out our online reporting form.
  • Reach out to a trusted faculty or staff member who can assist you in reporting the incident.
  • Contact the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion which can assist you in reporting the incident.
  • Contact Public Safety:
    • Stockton: 209.946.2537 (non-emergency) or 209.946.3911 (emergency)
    • Sacramento: 916.739.7200 
    • San Francisco: 415.929.6456 (non-urgent) or 415.929.6411 (urgent)

The following terms may be helpful as you complete the bias incident report form:

  • Complainant: The individual or group who brings forth a report or complaint regarding an alleged act of bias.
  • Respondent: The individual or group reported as having committed an alleged act of bias. 

After a bias incident report is submitted, the Director of DEI Education and Bias Prevention opens a case and offers to meet with the complainant(s). It is then routed based on the bias response workflow, which is summarized below. You may also view a diagram of the workflow.

When the respondent is a student, the report is routed to Student Life, who reviews the incident for possible violations of the student code of conduct. The complainant is notified either way if Student Life decides to open a formal student conduct case. However, if Student Life opens a formal student conduct case, complainants will not know the outcome of the case (except in limited circumstances).

When the respondent is an employee (including student employees), the report is forwarded to Human Resources for an initial assessment. Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of personnel processes, we won’t be able to share specific details or updates, but please know your report is taken seriously. 

Sometimes, the person who committed the bias incident is unknown. Examples may include incidents of graffiti or written slurs. In these instances, information such as the time of discovery (as best you can recall) will be helpful for any investigative purposes. When possible, the university may provide follow-up information to the complainant(s) and/or broader campus community. 

Additionally, in response to bias incident reports, the University:

  • Provides resources and support to help address any harm caused.
  • Identifies and implements preventative and proactive measures to address bias whenever possible.
  • Offers parties the opportunity to debrief the process and share feedback.

When it is believed that the information in a bias incident report may indicate a violation of University policies (e.g., Title IX, harassment, discrimination), the report transitions to a different workflow depending on the possible policy violation.  

Anyone who reports incidents of bias is safeguarded against any form of retaliation. This encompasses threats, intimidation, harassment, or any other behavior aimed at a person due to their decision to report a bias incident. 

If you feel you are experiencing retaliation because you submitted a bias incident report, please report this information to the Director of DEI Education and Bias Prevention in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at nfranco@pacific.edu.

Any individual found to have engaged in retaliation against another individual may face disciplinary consequences.

For more information about retaliation, please see the University’s Policy Prohibiting Identity-Based Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation (Interim). 

We firmly believe that each member of our community plays an essential role in cultivating a campus climate of inclusion and equity. We encourage and expect integrity, doing what's right, and holding ourselves and others accountable.  

Together, we can work towards a campus where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive academically and personally.  

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need support, please contact Nick Franco, Director of DEI Education and Bias Prevention in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at nfranco@pacific.edu.