We are still here to support.

During times of global crisis, our most vulnerable cultural populations are at increased risk for exacerbated harms. The Center for Equity and Inclusive Excellence (CEIE) continues to provide comprehensive response to issues of violence, bias, harassment and hate. If you have questions about any changes being made to our current work and prevention efforts in response to COVID-19, or if you are seeking advocacy for incident of violence, bias, or harassment, please contact:

Leigh-Anne Royster, the Director for the Center for Equity and Inclusive Excellence

Julia Metz, Sexual and Relationship Violence Coordinator for the Center for Equity and Inclusive Excellence

Annabel Bunton, Program Coordinator for the Center for Equity and Inclusive Excellence

Visit the CEIE COVID-19 Support & Resources page

Incidents of Bias, Discrimination, Harassment, and Hate

Elon University values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. By encouraging and celebrating these differences, we create an environment that promotes freedom of thought and academic excellence. Elon University denounces bias-related conduct as a violation of University Honor Code. Bias-related incidents, including slurs based on racial or ethnic identity, faith tradition, gender expression/identity, sexual orientation, ability and others create, a hostile educational, living and working environment and such acts are not tolerated in our academic community.

The term “bias-related” refers to language, behaviors and acts that demonstrate discrimination or hate against persons or groups because of any of the following identity categories (perceived or otherwise): race, ethnicity, faith tradition, national origin, gender, gender expression/identity, sexual orientation, age/generation, socio-economic status and disability. These categories are examples and are not an exhaustive list of attributes or characteristics protected under this policy.

Elon works in many ways to celebrate diversity and build a more inclusive community, but we recognize that incidents of bias and hate will occur to and by our community members. When this happens, we want our students, staff and faculty to fully understand their options for support and redress. First, it may be helpful to better understand these terms.

Bias Incident

Elon takes a bias incident to be conduct, speech, or expression motivated, in whole or in part, by bias or prejudice. It differs from a hate crime in that no criminal activity is involved. While hate crimes, if charged and prosecuted, will be dealt with in the court system as well as through our Elon policies, Elon will handle bias incidents through grievance procedures and educational programs.

Harassment

Conduct (including verbal, written, visual or physical conduct) that denigrates or shows hostility against an individual based on his or her protected categories when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with his or her work or academic performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive working, living or learning environment. Prohibited harassment occurs when an individual suffers an adverse employment, academic or other decision based on protected categories.

Discrimination

Prohibited discrimination occurs when an individual suffers an adverse employment, academic or other decision based on protected categories.

Hate Crime

In North Carolina a hate crime is defined as any act prohibited by law that is motivated because of the victim’s race, color, religion, nationality or country of origin.

Protected Categories

The following are considered “protected identity categories” with respect to discrimination, harassment and bias: age, (dis)ability, ethnic origin, faith tradition, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, race and veteran’s status.
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