The College’s working definition of bias for the pilot BDGS is a preconceived negative preference, inclination, or attitude about groups of people, often based on physical, cultural, religious, or social identities. The term ‘bias related’ refers to language and/or behaviors that demonstrate bias against persons because of, but not limited to, their actual or perceived identities. Examples may include defacement of posters or signs, intimidating comments or messages, vandalism to personal or college property, or similar acts, if there is evidence that the target or victim was chosen because of a characteristic such as those listed above.

Please be aware, however, that although an expression of an idea or point of view may be offensive or inflammatory to some, it is not necessarily a bias-related incident. Kalamazoo College values freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas. Intellectual academic discourse often involves the expression of controversial ideas and differing views. While this value of openness protects controversial ideas, it does not protect harassment or expressions of bias or hate aimed at individuals. The pilot BDGS does not prohibit speech historically and currently protected by College policies.