Bias Education and Support Team (BEST)

Our Team
The Bias Education and Support Team (BEST) responds to reported bias incidents in order to continue to foster a community that is welcoming and inclusive to all. The BEST was formed in 2024 to address and respond to bias incidents in order to better understand our campus climate.

The BEST is comprised of the following campus representatives: 
Dean of Student Affairs, Director of Inclusion Initiatives, Dean of Students, Director of CAPS, DHR Coordinator, as well as representatives from Residence Life, Human Resources, and a Faculty member.

Our Purpose 
The Bias Education and Support Team (BEST) shares the University's commitment to a culturally diverse and inclusive climate that fosters intellectual and academic freedom, the free expression and exchange of all ideas, and the well being of its students, faculty, staff and visitors.

As outlined in the CSU Executive Order 1095,  "The California State University (CSU) is committed to an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity and fosters mutual respect. We embrace our community differences in Age, Disability (physical and mental), Gender, Gender Identity (including Nonbinary or Transgender), Gender Expression, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Nationality, Pregnancy or related conditions, Race or Ethnicity (including color, caste, or ancestry), Religion or Religious Creed, Sex (including Sex Stereotyping or Sex Characteristics), Sexual Orientation, and Veteran or Military Status. All Students and Employees have the right to participate fully in CSU programs, activities, admission, and employment free from Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking and Retaliation."

Therefore, the BEST exists to address forms of bias through consistent campus climate assessment, proactive education, and comprehensive response and support to individuals impacted by bias. We envision an atmosphere of civility, where respect prevails in all forms of expression and interaction in order to develop a community of belonging.

Our First Amendment Considerations 
It is important to note that not every bias incident which may be offensive to an individual or group will be considered to be discriminatory conduct and/or a violation of system or institutional policy. The Bias Education and Support Team encourages members of our campus community to visit the CSU site on Freedom of Expression (including CSU and Cal Maritime policies on Time, Place, and Manner), the California Code of Education Sec 66301, as well as CSU Executive Order 1095.

While the First Amendment protects free expression of ideas that may be offensive, it does not mean the University condones, supports, or agree with all ideas expressed, particularly those that are contrary to our core values. The Bias Education and Support Team documents and tracks these incidents in order to: 

  • Provide support to individual(s) impacted by bias incidents
  • Develop programming and training opportunities to address bias
  • Detect emerging patterns of biased activity
  • Publish aggregated data about these incident rates and trends
  • Make recommendations to campus leadership for the prevention of future bias incidents

Of course, people who commit hate crimes, or any crime thereof, that are not protected under the First Amendment may be subject to disciplinary proceedings or prosecution. Possible examples include physical assault, vandalism, trespassing, harassment, incitement, or genuine threats of violence. 

Our Response Protocol 
Through the online Student Incident Reporting form, the Bias Education and Support Team (BEST) seeks to collect information on any bias incidents motivated by a person's actual or perceived identity, including, but not limited to Age, Disability (physical and mental), Gender, Gender Identity (including Nonbinary or Transgender), Gender Expression, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Nationality, Pregnancy or related conditions, Race or Ethnicity (including color, caste, or ancestry), Religion or Religious Creed, Sex (including Sex Stereotyping or Sex Characteristics), Sexual Orientation, and Veteran or Military Status.

Please note that incident reports will be routed to one or more of the following university entities to ensure that your report is responded to quickly and appropriately: the Bias Education and Support Team, Human Resources, Title IX, University Police, or Student Affairs. We will work to direct your report the appropriate office while upholding confidentiality.

Regardless, reports directed to the BEST are compiled over the course of each academic year to shape educational trainings and programs geared towards the prevention of future bias incidents.

What We Do 

  • Collect reports on bias incidents  
  • Provide support for those impacted by bias incidents  
  • Assist impacted parties in connecting with support services
  • Encourage constructive dialogue between individuals involved
  • Facilitate proactive and ongoing, educational training about the impact of bias
  • Raise awareness and empower bystanders to promote a culture of civility & respect
  • Inform administration and recommend best practices in terms of policy and action, based on trends and findings

What We DON'T Do 

  • Infringe on First Amendment Rights
  • Limit academic freedom
  • Impose disciplinary sanctions or other forms of punishment
  • Conduct investigations (Please note that incident reports may be routed to one or more of the following university entities: the Bias Education and Support Team, Human Resources, Title IX, University Police, or Student Affairs. We will work to direct your report the appropriate office while upholding confidentiality.)