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Bias Incident Response

Racism and discrimination have no place at SUNY Canton, and it is our first priority that all students feel safe and welcome on our campus and in our community. Incidents of bias, discrimination, and/or racism can be reported at any time. These reports will be reviewed immediately and taken seriously. 

What is a Bias Incident? 

A bias incident is an act or behavior motivated by the offender’s bias against facets of another’s identity. These facets may include, but are not limited to: race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, military status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information. Bias occurs whether the act is intentional or unintentional. Bias may be directed toward an individual or group. Bias may contribute to creating an unsafe or unwelcoming environment. 

For more information about bias-related crime, please click here. 

How do I report a Bias Incident? 

There are a few different ways that a bias incident can be reported, depending on the nature of the incident or who it impacted.  If, in reviewing the options below, you are unsure which option to choose or need assistance in completing a bias incident report, please reach out to studentaffairs@canton.edu or 315-386-7120 and we would be glad to assist you.  Other offices, such as University Police (315-386-7777), the Diversity Affairs Office (315-386-7128), and the Counseling Center (315-386-7314) are also places where you can seek assistance with reporting.   

• Bias Incident Reporting Form
• Discrimination Complaint Process
• If the report is a crime in progress, please report immediately to University Police at 315-386-7777

How are Bias-related Reports Handled? 

For reports received through the Bias Incident Reporting Form: 

• The report goes to members of the Bias Incident Response Team, which a subset of the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) who are trained in crisis response and oversee the responses to individuals and/or communities who have been affected by bias acts. 
• Responses to incidents of bias may include investigation and adjudication, as appropriate, by Student Conduct, University Police, Human Resources, or external agencies like the New York State Police.
• People or communities who have been targets of bias acts will be contacted by a member of the team to discuss the next steps and possible outcomes.  
• Potential outcomes could include, but are not limited to:
  • Disciplinary action, up to suspension from the College, for those found responsible for bias-related acts;
  • Restorative Justice, which is done in concert with trained professionals in limited circumstances where the benefit outweighs potential harm;
  • Educational responses, including programming, services, and supports.
• All submitted reports, other than those that are sent anonymously, will receive a response from a member of the Bias Incident Response Team within two business days to confirm receipt, as well as at the conclusion of the review of the incident or action taken.  It’s important to note that there are times where the information the Bias Incident Response Team can share is limited in order for confidentiality, but every effort will be made to be as transparent as possible with the affected parties. 

Resources 

Campus Resources 

Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students 
Miller Campus Center 229 
315-386-7120 
Studentaffairs@canton.edu  

University Police
Dana Hall 
315-386-7777 (24-hour service) 

Affirmative Action Officer 
Human Resources Office, Payson Hall  
315-386-7325 

Davis Health Center 
Miller Campus Center 
315-386-7333 

Counseling Center 
Miller Campus Center 225 
315-386-7314 

External Resources 

911 (for all emergency calls including ambulance service) 

Renewal House (Support for victims of domestic and sexual violence) 
3 Chapel Street, Canton 
315-379-9845 

Village of Canton Police Department
60 Main Street, Canton 
315-386-4561 (24-hour service) 

New York State Police 
49 ½ Court Street, Canton 
315-379-0012 (24-hour service) 

St. Lawrence County District Attorney 
49 Court Street, Canton 
315-379-2225 

St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department
48 Court Street, Canton 
315-379-2222