Fall 2018
What Happened? Use of the N-Word on Social Media [Closed and resolved]
On December 20, 2018, a Xavier student reported seeing a copied IMessage posted on a Twitter account that involved a Xavier student saying, “Guess the nigger dick isn’t good enough to keep her off yours.” The sender meant to send it to someone else they knew, but it ended up being sent to a non-Xavier student. This student then shared the message with the public where Xavier students became aware of it.
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team Responded?
BART was informed of the incident a few hours after the post was made. The Dean of Students office facilitated a response to the students involved. .
What Happened? Racist Chant at Men's Basketball Game [Closed pending new information]
On Saturday, November 10th, a student overheard what they perceived to be an offensive, racially motivated chant. It was reported two days later that for a brief moment a small group of students sitting in the student section shouted, “A rope, a tree, hang the referee." The chant was directed toward an African American referee. It was shared that other students in that section quickly responded to the chanting students by telling them their chant was not ok. The chanting students did not continue to yell this particular chant. The chant was contained to a small section of the student section. The reporting student did not know the students involved. There was no photo taken to identify the students.
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team Responded?
The Dean of Students informed BART of the report and the team members determined it to be a bias incident given the historical significance of lynching and the chant being directed at an African American referee. BART reached out to Extreme Fans and Athletics to inform them of the report as well as brainstorm future opportunities to prevent this from happening in the student section. Anyone who may possess additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Dean of Students office.
What Happened? LGBTQ+ Slur Used at Off-Campus Bar [Closed and resolved]
On November 2, 2018, there was a report of a bias incident that took place off campus at a local bar and involved Xavier students. Two men-identified students chanted, "Trump, Trump, Trump!" and proceeded to call another man-identified student the "f-word", which is a charged and offensive word directed at the LGBTQ+ community.
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team Responded?
BART was informed of the incident report and decided it met the university definition of a bias incident due to the use of a slur. The matter was referred to the and Title IX Office for investigation and follow up.
What Happened? Chalk Vandalism Towards Student Group [Open]
On October 17, 2018, an act of vandalism was reported to have taken place around 11pm. Students 4 Life, a pro-life and anti-abortion student group, received university approval to express their messages of support for those who take pro-life positions by chalking sidewalks near Kuhlman Hall and Herald Avenue. These messages were written earlier in the day and were found late last night to be vandalized by being washed away with a liquid substance.
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team Responded?
BART was informed of the perceived bias incident. After a thorough investigation by the Dean of Students Office and ample communication among BART members, the team has determined this incident was not motivated by identity. While inappropriate and hurtful, the incident has to do more with ideological disagreement rather than an act of bias directed at an identity group. The Dean of Students will address the incident through the conduct process. Our definition of a bias incident focuses on acts that target a person or group on the basis of identity rather than diversity of thought.
BART encourages the encountering of different views that are thoughtful and respectful. BART will support any future educational opportunities in collaboration with interested parties.
What Happened? Use of Hateful Comment in Res Hall [Closed and resolved]
On September 24, 2018, an incident that took place in the Justice Hall lobby. Two Justice Hall residents were overheard directing the following comment to a student nearby, “I can't believe it is the fucking gay guy. I fucking hate him." Residence Life staff attempted to confront the students, but the elevator door closed before an intervention could occur.
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team Responded?
BART was informed of the incident. The Dean of Students Office and the Office of Residence Life initiated an investigation and the Dean of Students Office responded to the students involved.
What Happened? Res Hall White Board Vandalized [Closed pending new information]
On September 15, 2018, two RAs reported while doing rounds an act of vandalism on a white board outside a student's room that took place in Kuhlman Hall. The offensive "F-word" often directed at the LGBTQ community was written over previous writing.
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team Responded?
BART discussed the matter and determined it to be a bias incident. The Dean of Students office has engaged with the involved students, however a responsible individual was not identified. Individuals who may have additional information regarding this incident are encouraged to make a report. The identity of the responsible party remains unknown.
What Happened? Anti-Jewish Symbol Found in Student Paper [Closed and resolved]
On August 31, 2018, a professor reported the use of an anti-Jewish hate symbol in a student's paper. The Anti-Defamation League has identified "the echo" or use of triple parentheses as having the intent of communicating bigotry towards the Jewish community.
How has the Bias Advisory and Response Team Responded?
BART coached the professor on how to have a conversation about the incident with the student.