About Reporting

Why Report?

Filing a report helps the College create a safe environment that supports the educational mission of the institution. In addition, unreported incidents and bias actions can perpetuate continued bias and erode the campus climate.

Who Can Report

Any member of the Allegheny College community can report and incident involving members of our community.

Ways to Report

Report suspected bias incidents in the following ways:
• Campus Safety
• Dean of Students
• IDEAS Center
• Office of Student Conduct
• Online
• Title IX Officer

What to Include in Your Report

Keep any evidence, including photographs, written notes, documents and contact information for witnesses or other persons involved with the incident. File a report immediately following a perceived incident occurs to preserve the accuracy of information.

Please Note: A lack of “hard evidence” or significant time lapse since an incident occurred should not discourage you from filing a bias report but may limit what actions can be taken.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you may omit your name and contact information on the form. However, anonymous reports can make follow-up more difficult and/or lead to an unsuccessful investigation. For the community’s greater good, you’re encouraged to include your contact information.

What to Expect Once You Have Filed a Report

If you provide contact information, an Allegheny College official will contact you to determine an appropriate response. If you choose to remain anonymous, the College will follow up on the incident as reasonably feasible, based on the information provided. Students willing to meet with Campus Safety, Associate Dean, IDEAS Center, and/or the Assistant Dean of Student Conduct, will be made aware of available options, including other campus resources.

Is a Bias-Related Incident the Same as a Hate Crime?

Bias-related incidents and hate crimes both involve behavior that is motivated by bias. Bias-related incidents are defined as behavior which constitutes an expression of hostility against the person or property of another because of the targeted person’s age, creed, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, political or social affiliation, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Even when offenders are not aware of bias or intend to offend, bias may be revealed which is worthy of a response and can serve as an opportunity for education.

Bias-related incidents, while abhorrent and intolerable, do not meet the necessary elements required to prove a crime. However, bias-related incidents do require the active participation of a community committed to fundamental human dignity and equality to successfully address.

Hate crimes are also motivated by bias, but they include a definable crime, such as: threats of violence, property damage, personal injury and other illegal conduct. A hate crime is an infraction of the law and will be addressed accordingly. Please report hate crimes to the Meadville Police Department at 911.

Case Outcomes

All case outcomes will be shared with students and appropriate offices/departments. A final statistical report with outcomes of all incidents, grievances and bias reports will be shared at the close of the semester.