This protocol applies to bias-related incidents by or against students, faculty and staff at Creighton University. This includes incidents related to an individual’s status or perceived status within a class protected by law or policy. Creighton policy includes race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, and age as protected classes.

Members of BEST will receive information on reported incidents from the Tell Someone form, Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance, the Office of Community Standards and Wellbeing, Human Resources, and other applicable departments or offices at the University.

We value diversity. To this end, Creighton faculty, staff, students and administrators seek to foster a community environment regardless of age, culture, faith, ethnicity, immigrant status, race, gender, sexual orientation, language, physical appearance, physical ability, or social class.

We value inclusion. We believe our community is stronger when we model inclusive excellence.  

We value cura personalis. We recognize that everyone brings particular gifts and perspectives to our university community, making it stronger and more vibrant. When we are forced to endure incidents of bias, our commitment to Cura Personalis is interrupted. We need to work to educate one another to better focus on Cura Personalis and to prepare to recover from attacks on this charism.

We value radical hospitality. Our caring, hospitable community, our attention to those who are underserved, our academic and co-curricular offerings, and our admissions, hiring, and promotion policies all give testimony to our desire to make Creighton a welcoming, inclusive community.

We are men and women for and with others.  Through creating this system of bias response and education we aim to stand with each other. We aim to stand with those in need while aiming to educate everyone on ways to not have individuals marginalized. We want to pursue justice not only on behalf of all persons but for our whole university community.

The University has designated the Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance to oversee all reports of bias-related behavior and harassment. The Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance will work in conjunction with BEST to provide support, education, and restorative practices.

When an incident of bias rises to the level of a violation of University policy, the Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance will have oversight of the investigation and BEST will provide support to the impacted party, will advise on appropriate restorative measures and will assist in implementation of educational sanctioning when appropriate.

When an incident of bias does not rise to the level of a violation of University policy, the Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance will work with the BEST to provide support to the impacted party, advise on appropriate restorative measures and assist with appropriate education and/or training.

To effectively address bias-related incidents, the University has designated a group of individuals to carry out this protocol.  These offices and areas of the University are best prepared to respond to incidents on campus:

• Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance (1 representative) CHAIR
• Office of the Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (1 representative)
• Creighton Intercultural Center (1 representative)
• Office of the Vice Provost of Student Life (1 representative)
• Office of Community Standards and Wellbeing (1 representative)
• Department of Human Resources (1 representative)

The membership of this group will be appointed by the respective division/department head and may change as needed.

• Bias- Related Incident: Any activity, intentional or unintentional, that intimidates, demeans, mocks, degrades, marginalizes, or threatens individuals or groups based on that individual’s or group's actual or perceived identity.  In identifying a bias incident, the focus is on the impact of that incident to an individual or group, not the intention or motivation behind it.
  • Contained Bias Incident: a comment, activity or event that is seen or heard by a few individuals.
  • Community Bias Incident: a comment, activity or event that is seen or heard by many.
• BEST Advisor: Trained individuals who have knowledge of the reporting options and resources available following a bias-related incident. BEST Advisors are available to accompany individuals who have been the target of a bias-related incident, providing support and assistance. Advisors will be resourced from the Creighton Intercultural Center (CIC).
• Discriminatory Harassment: Unwelcome action based on an individual’s actual or perceived status in a class protected by law or policy which is sever or pervasive and objectively offensive, creating a Hostile Environment.  Classes protected by law or policy include race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, and any other groups protected by federal, state, or local statutes.
• Diversity: Individual differences (e.g., personality, prior knowledge, and life experiences) and group/social differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, and ability as well as cultural, political, religious, or other affiliations) AAC&U
• Inclusion: The active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity—in the curriculum, in the co-curriculum, and in communities (intellectual, social, cultural, geographical) with which individuals might connect—in ways that increase awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions AAC&U
• Inclusive Excellence: The achievement of excellence in learning through active processes that place diversity and inclusion among the core elements central to “learning, teaching, institutional functioning, engagement in local and global communities, and student success” at the college level and beyond AAC&U
• Complainant: An individual who alleges that they have been the target of a bias-related incident
• Respondent: An individual whose alleged conduct is the subject of a complaint.
• Tell Someone: An online form that allows all members of the Creighton Community to report concerns, include incidents of discrimination, bias, hate crimes, and hate speech. bias-related incidents.  The information reported will be private and Creighton staff members who receive this form have signed a non-disclosure agreement, committing them to maintain the highest level of privacy. This form should NOT be used to report an emergency.  To report an emergency, please call Public Safety at 402.280.2911.
• Restorative Justice: Restorative justice offers a response at both the individual and community level that meets the needs of community accountability while avoiding the counterproductive labeling and outcasting of offenders.
  • Karp, David R. and Olivia Frank. 2016. “Restorative justice and student development in higher education: Expanding ‘offender’ horizons beyond punishment and rehabilitation to community engagement and personal growth.” Pp. 141-164 in Offenders No More: An Interdisciplinary Restorative Justice Dialogue, edited by Theo Gavrielides. New York: Nova Science Publishers.
• Welcoming and Inclusive Community: A community where individual differences are valued and respected as enhancements to the community; where every community member feels safe to engage in conversations about any aspect of their identity; and every community member feels an individual connection to the community and the institution.

BEST will respond in a manner that respects the privacy of both the Complainant and Respondent to the greatest extent possible.

BEST recognizes that some reports of bias-related incidents may include criminal acts that impact the overall safety of the campus community and there may be times where the University has an obligation to investigate or share information related to a specific incident. The University will protect the identity of persons involved in reports of bias-related incidents to the best of its ability and will only share personally identifiable information with persons with a need-to-know, in order to investigate and respond to a report, or to deliver resources or protective measures.

Individuals who have experienced an impact related to a bias-related incident are encouraged to seek resources and support.  When reporting a bias-related incident to the University, individuals have the opportunity to work with a BEST Advisor who can assist in identifying available resources and making appropriate referrals.  Individuals may access these resources on their own as well.

Student Resources

Student Counseling Services (confidential)
Markoe Hall
For Appointments: 402.280.2735

Violence Intervention and Prevention Center (confidential)
Services related to sexual misconduct, dating violence, and stalking
Brandeis Hall, B04, first floor
For Appointments: 402.280.3794

Faculty/Staff Resources

Employee Assistance Program
Confidential free counseling, legal consultations
800.424.4831

Human Resources
Contact your Human Resources Generalist for assistance