Learn more about Merrimack College’s bias incident response process.
The Bias Response Team is committed to Merrimack College’s mission to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives. This team is inspired by the Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue. This commitment is done through the vision to:
Bias is defined by Merrimack College as an act, verbal, written, physical and/or, psychological, that is threatening, harmful, intimidating or hostile to a person or group on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, or any other status protected by law.
Higher education is defined by its exchange of ideas – freely and openly. All members of the Merrimack College community are free to express their viewpoints in public forums as private citizens, including viewpoints that may be perceived by others to be unwelcoming or intolerant. We do not restrict free expression, as long as there are no violations of the law and that College policy and guidelines are followed. While members of our community are free to express themselves, that does not mean that one’s words or actions do not have an effect on others.
Bias acts can be disruptive to individuals and our community and often warrant discussion or education about how they affect other members of the College’s community. Those acts of bias will result in discipline if they are found in violation of civil, criminal or College community standards
Regardless of whether acts are considered violations of law or the College’s community standards, Merrimack constantly strives to provide a community of scholars that creates a community of safety and interpersonal respect.
The Bias Response Team strives to provide a campus environment that is safe and where all members are respected. The team’s responsibilities include supporting people who experience a bias incident, monitoring the reporting of these incidents, and recommending next steps to minimize bias on campus.
Meet Our Bias Incident Response Team Members
It is important to report a bias if you are the target or witness of a bias incident. All reports are managed as sensitively and confidentially as possible. The Bias Response Team or its designees are the essential personnel who will be involved in responding.
If this is an emergency, please contact Merrimack College Police Department at 978-837-5911.
The Bias Response Team has offered the following responses to bias incidents:
Andrew Cote, assistant professor of practice and assistant director of bands, also presented at this year’s National Association of Music Merchants Show in Anaheim, CA.