COVID-19 Bias and Discrimination

Amidst COVID-19, identity-based bias and discrimination have continued and have appeared in new and different formats.

View this information as a flyer (PDF)

What is Bias?

Bias is personal, unreasoned judgment or attitude that inclines an individual to treat someone negatively because of their real or preceived protected characteristic (from the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Community Engagement).

What is Discrimination?

Unlawful discrimination is the adverse of an individual based on a protected characteristic, rather than individual merit (from the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Community Engagement).

Discriminatory harassment is any unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic where such conduct creates a hostile environment (from the Code of Student Conduct).

What is a Protected Characteristic?

Protected characteristics include age, color, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or familial status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, and/or other characteristics protected by applicable law (from the Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation Policy).

Bias and Discrimination Can Occur:

• On- and off-campus
  • Verbal
  • Written
  • Images
  • Physical
• In classroom environments
  • Discussion boards
  • Assignments
  • Grading
• Through virtual channels
  • Social media
  • Texting
  • Email

Reporting Incidents of Bias & Discrimination

It is important to note that you have the option to report incidents anonymously, and every report is handled with care and trust. Not all reports result in a formal conduct process.

Resources

Colonial Health Center - CAPS (confidential)

Office of Advocacy and Support (confidential)

International Services Office

Sexual Assault Response & Consultation Team

CARE Network

Multicultural Student Services Center

GW Listens Hotline