As stated by the University of California's Principles of Community grounded in the mission of instruction, research and public service, UC values diversity, affirms the inherent dignity of every person and upholds communities of justice. UC strives for a campus and a world free of discrimination, intolerance and hate, and is equally committed to freedom of expression, critical inquiry, civil dialogue and mutual respect.
Residential & Community Living values diversity and inclusivity and will work to promptly address acts of bias and harassment directed at any individual or group in our residential communities; such acts are unacceptable in our residential community. These acts are considered violations of the Residential & Community Living Terms and Conditions, UCSB Campus Regulations, the UC Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations and Students (PACAOS Section 104.90), and may be a violation of state or federal law.
A hate crime is a traditional criminal offense with an added element of bias towards a federally protected class of people. For the purposes of collecting statistics, Congress has defined a hate crime as a "criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, ethnic origin or sexual orientation." Hate itself is not a crime, and the FBI is mindful of protecting freedom of speech and other civil liberties. Hate crimes will be handled by campus police.
Examples of Hate Crimes
- Physically harming a community member because of their sexual orientation.
- Student damages another student’s residence hall window sill by carving a racist remark on it.
A bias incident is an offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by the offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender identity BUT may not rise to the level of a crime. Bias incidents include hostile environments and harassing behavior that is severe, persistent or pervasive to the point that it threatens an individual or limits the ability of the individual to work, study, or participate in college life. The resident may or may not have specific or general intent to harm, but contributes to creating a hostile or unwelcoming living environment.
Examples of Bias Incidents
- Guest uses a racial slur during a documentation.
- Community member yells a homophobic slur at another community member.
- Two residents are targeting a third by joking and using derogatory terms repeatedly such as the n-word or retard.
For more resources and examples of how to identify bias, please visit Learning for Justice's web page Identifying and Responding to Bias Incidents
Residents may contact a Resident Assistant (RA) or Lead Staff member (Complex Coordinator, Resident Director, Assistant Complex Coordinator, or Assistant Resident Director) in their community to inform staff of the incident. Residents may request to remain anonymous.
| Resource | Phone Number |
| Counseling & Psychological Services | 805-893-4411 |
| UCSB Office of the Ombuds | 805-893-3285 |
| UC Bias Link | 800-403-4744 |