Bias & Mistreatment Reporting

What is Bias?

The Office of Diversity, Equity & Community Engagement (ODECE) defines bias as acts that are characterized by some expression of favor for or against a particular group or individual because of their membership (or perceived membership) in that group. Bias incidents may range from acts that are considered offensive to actions that cause harm. 

What is Mistreatment? 

Per the Mistreatment Policy, SMHS defines mistreatment as behavior that shows disrespect towards a person or group that interferes with the work or learning environment. This behavior may be verbal (swearing, humiliation), emotional (neglect, a hostile environment), or physical (threats, physical harm). 

All SMHS faculty (including the MFA), staff, and students can use the ODECE Bias Incident Response and Reporting System. All SMHS incidents reported will be handled by the SMHS Office of Diversity & Inclusion and/or other needed parties. 

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against or harassed may make reports as follows:

  • Concerns about the conduct of a student or student organization can be brought to Student Rights & Responsibilities (SRR)
  • Concerns about the conduct of a non-faculty staff member can be brought to the Equal Employment Opportunity and Access (EEOA)
  • Concerns about the conduct of a faculty member under this policy can be brought to the Office of the Provost, Office for Faculty Affairs at facultyaffairs@gwu.edu 
  • Concerns of discrimination and harassment may also be reported through the university’s ethics and compliance hotline, EthicsPoint. Reports may be made on an anonymous basis. 
  • Student concerns related to bias may be made through the Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement (ODECE). This informal process focuses on support, resources, and mediation. Bias Incident Reporting

Resources for Reporting Bias - SMHS (students, faculty, and staff)

Resources for Reporting Mistreatment - SMHS Students

Resources for Reporting Bias or Mistreatment - Residents/Fellows

Resources for Reporting Bias or Mistreatment - MFA 

All MFA staff can report any issues or concerns regarding bias or mistreatment through Compliance360. When using Compliance360, please select the appropriate web form to report any incidents or concerns you have. 

Resources for Reporting Bias or Mistreatment - GW Hospital

"...Complaints of harassment or discrimination will be investigated promptly in an impartial and to the extent possible, confidential manner. If you feel you are being harassed or discriminated against in violation of this policy by another employee, supervisor, manager, or third-party doing business with GW Hospital, you should immediately contact your supervisor, department director, or Human Resources. In addition, if you observe harassment or discrimination by another employee, you should immediately report the incident to the individuals above. Appropriate action will also be taken in response to violations of this policy by any non-employee. Supervisors and managers have a duty to promptly report employee complaints and allegations of misconduct to Human Resources. Prompt notification of GW Hospital is essential to enforcing this policy. You will not be penalized in any way for reporting a harassment or discrimination incident."