BIRT and RespectNU
The Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) is a group of administrators who are committed to creating a proactive response to instances of hate and bias. When a report is submitted through RespectNU, the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (OCR) reviews the report to determine whether the reported conduct may fall under the University’s Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct.
If the reported conduct could constitute discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, an OCR staff member will contact the impacted individual, if known, and connect them with support, resources, and resolution options. If the reported incident would not fall within the Policy, one of the BIRT members will support the student, connect them with the appropriate resources, and follow-up with them until the situation has been resolved.
BIRT and RespectNU are:
- Systems that will assist students who report bias or hate incidents
- Dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community for all students
- Action-oriented initiatives that will provide early intervention and education on acts of bias and hate for the campus community
BIRT and RespectNU are not:
- Investigative units. However, reports that that may implicate University policies will be referred to the appropriate office, such as the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance or Office of Community Standards as appropriate.
- Replacements for existing reporting or support mechanisms at NU
- Crisis or emergency services. Any student in need of police intervention or immediate assistance should call the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ University Police Department at 847-491-3246 or, if the student is not on campus, local police at 911.
Current Bias Incident Response Team
- Lesley-Ann Brown-Henderson, Assistant Vice President and Chief of Staff for Student Affairs
- Religious and Spiritual Life
- Office of Director of Student Organizations & Activities
- Office of of Residential Life
- Office of Community Standards
- Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
- Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
- Office of Campus Inclusion and Community