Generally, bias incidents are acts characterized by some expression of bias against a particular group, or towards an individual because of their membership (or perceived membership) in that group. Bias incidents may range from acts considered to be offensive to actions that cause harm.

Although bias incidents sometimes constitute hate crimes or discrimination (as defined under the University’s Non-Discrimination Policy), not all bias incidents rise to the level of a hate crime or discrimination.

A hate crime is a criminal act (against person or property) that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s hate or bias towards a particular individual or group because of membership in that group (as defined by law). Bias incidents are sometimes considered to be hate crimes, but not always.

To report a bias incident, you may email biassupport@umd.edu or submit a report online.