You have decided to join a new community, one that very much values the diversity of its members. With more than 10,000 students, our on-campus residential communities boast an array of values, beliefs, perspectives and abilities. This rich diversity is one of the reasons living in residence is such a valuable and worthwhile experience.
HFS strives to create an environment of mutual respect around campus and within our communities, which you are now part of. Whether it is through our collaboration with other offices, special event programming in the residential communities or a social on your floor, HFS staff strive to ensure that residents get to know each other and gain a better understanding of others. We ask that you do your part by respecting others’ traditions and beliefs. We set this expectation for you with the following statement:
Everyone who chooses to live in or visit our residential communities has their own beliefs and must understand that acts that denigrate an individual’s national origin, race, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, heritage, culture, religion, disability or age have no place in our communities. Strive to understand the individual differences of those around you, especially your roommate(s) and neighbors. As you engage in daily activities and interactions, challenge yourself to learn from others. Give others the respect and tolerance that you desire.
Setting this standard for our residential communities and having high expectations for our residents ensures that students can have a productive, meaningful and personally rewarding experience while living on campus.
Bias-related incidents
Bias-related conduct is behavior that by intent, action and/or outcome may offend, harm or threaten to harm a person or group based on the perception of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability or veteran status. Something does not necessarily need to rise to the level of a hate crime (malicious harassment as defined in RCW 9A.36.080) to constitute a bias-related incident.
The UW values and honors diverse experiences and perspectives, strives to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promotes access and opportunity. All members of the UW community should be familiar with the UW’s policies regarding discrimination and harassment.
If you experience a bias-related incident
If you have experienced a bias-related incident on campus, talking with your RA/CA and/or Community Manager is a great first step to reporting the incident and gaining support. Talking about what happened can be difficult, and it is our hope that you will contact someone who is prepared to assist you. Your willingness to identify and discuss an incident may help you and, at the same time, prevent other students from experiencing similar treatment.
The UW Bias Incident Reporting Tool is for non-emergency incidents. If your immediate safety is at risk, you are witnessing violence or perceive imminent harm to yourself or others, please immediately dial 911. If your experience includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and/or relationship violence, please contact UW SafeCampus at 206-685-7233 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).