UM SPH Home > Diversity Matters > Creating an Inclusive Community

 

SPH Diversity Home

Diversity Statement

OAA Diversity Initiatives & Support Area

Creating an Inclusive Community

People & Projects

Programs & Resources

Gene Feingold Diversity Award

Workshops/Trainings

Diversity Matters at Michigan

Site Menu


University of Michigan Spanish-language portal, with news releases and more.

Creating an Inclusive Community

studentsTo the University Community:

The University of Michigan's tradition and success are founded in the ideal of an "uncommon education for the common man." We have a longstanding commitment to open the doors of opportunity to scholars from all walks of life, particularly those who historically have not had access to a college education.

Our diversity is our strength. As educators, we know that our learning environment is enriched when our classrooms, residence halls and extracurricular activities are filled with students of varied experiences and perspectives. As scholars, we know of our research is enhanced when the academy is diverse and when our inquiries explore the full range of questions. As employees, we know our problem-solving abilities are improved when different points of view are brought to bear.

Our accomplishments as a university can only be fully realized if we work together to create an inclusive environment that values and celebrates both our similarities and our differences.

Discrimination, harassment, hate crimes and bias incidents are extremely destructive to the success of our students, staff and faculty. The University is committed to act when it learns of incidents motivated by hate or bias. If such incidents constitute a criminal act, such as assault or property damage, they should be reported to the police and will be fully investigated. Other acts of intolerance may violate University policies or community standards; if so, we will pursue a range of remedies that may include disciplinary action, education and dialogue.

At all times, anyone who experiences hate, bias, harassment or discrimination should have a safe space in which to report the behavior and receive support. The University is committed to providing such safe spaces and to supporting a comprehensive reporting mechanism for bias incidents, so we may work continuously to improve our campus climate.

It is everyone's responsibility to help create a welcoming community. I look to each of us to live up to our campus values and work to support the success of every community member.

Sincerely,

President Mary Sue Coleman,
Expect Respect at the University of Michigan

What Should You Do?

... If you are a victim of a hate crime or bias incident:

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a hate crime is a "crime of violence, property damage, or threat that is motivated in whole or in part by an offender's bias based on race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation." Within the State of Michigan, a person is guilty of ethnic intimidation if that person maliciously threatens or physically contacts a person with intent to intimidate, harass or damage the property of that person because of that person's race, color, religion, gender or national origin.

Bias-related incidents are non-criminal activities that harm another because of that person's race, color, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital status and veteran status.

If you are the victim of a hate crime and it is an emergency situation, dial 9-1-1 to be connected to the Department of Public Safety (on-campus) or Ann Arbor Police Department (off-campus). If you believe you have experienced a hate crime, you may report it directly to the Department of Public Safety (on-campus) at 734-763-1131 or the Ann Arbor Police (off-campus) at 734-994-2911. The Expect Respect website requests that reports to DPS or AAPD are also reported to the University's bias incident reporting system for statistical and follow-up purposes.

... If you are a victim of discrimination or harassment:

Hate crimes and bias-related incidents are not necessarily discrimination. Unlawful discrimination or discriminatory harassment refers to specific conduct prohibited by law that unfairly treats people differently because of their race, sex, gender identity or gender expression, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, height, weight or Vietnam-era veteran status.

If you are the victim of discrimination or harassment, or think you may be, talk to someone. Discrimination or harassment for any reason is not tolerated at the University of Michigan. If you have been made to feel uncomfortable, intimidated, or targeted because of your race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or Vietnam-era veteran status, you should talk to someone about your concerns. There are several resources available for consultation related to discrimination and harassment. If you would prefer to talk to someone in a confidential setting, see the section on Confidential Counseling for suggested resources. If you are interested in information about informal or formal resolution, see Advice for informal resolution for suggested individuals to talk to.

Support Services

School of Public Health Diversity Officer (Coordinator of Diversity Initiatives)

The Diversity Officer for the school advises students, staff, and faculty on matters related to diversity, discrimination, diversity related disputes, and provides information about University policies and procedures related to diversity; makes referrals; and provides diversity resources when appropriate. Also the Diversity Officer works closely with students, faculty, and staff to create diversity programming at the school that demonstrates an inclusive climate and educates the SPH Community. More information.

Confidential Counseling

The University of Michigan offers a variety of counseling services for its students, faculty and staff who wish to discuss their concerns in a confidential and safe environment. Confidential counseling is an excellent resource if you are not sure that what you have experienced constitutes discrimination and/or you would like to consult with someone confidentially to sort out what you have experienced and options for addressing the matter, should you choose to take action.

Students seeking confidential counseling services may contact any of the resources below:

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) services are free, confidential, and available to currently enrolled students. Services include: brief counseling for individuals, couples and groups; consultation to students, faculty, staff, and parents; assistance with referrals to community resources; and crisis interventions.

Office of the Ombuds is a place where student questions, complaints and concerns about the functioning of the University can be discussed confidentially in a safe environment. The Office offers informal dispute resolution services, provides resources and referrals, and helps students consider the options available to them.

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP) is a University of Michigan program that offers a number of services designed to help staff, faculty, and their immediate family members with personal difficulties encountered at both work and home. A student, who is also an University employee (i.e., a GSI/GSSA/GSRA) is eligible for assistance from FASAP. All FASAP services are free of charge and confidential. Services include:

  • Short-term counseling services to all staff, faculty, and their immediate family members on personal, emotional, family and work place issues
  • Personalized coaching services to assist with achieving professional or personal goals such as overcoming procrastination, improving work
  • Organization and completion of specific projects
  • Critical incident, trauma and grief counseling

Specific Issue Support Services

In addition to confidential counseling resources, students may seek advice and support on matters related to discrimination and harassment or bias from the following offices:

The Center for the Education of Women (CEW) provides professionally trained and experienced counselors who work within a developmental framework to help women and men consider their options, make informed choices, and both define and resolve problems, while focusing on issues of achieving balance between work and family responsibilities.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) provides services for the U-M community related to sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, sexual harassment, and stalking. SAPAC offers crisis intervention, outreach, counseling, advocacy, consultation, training, awareness, and prevention.

The Spectrum Center provides a comprehensive range of education, information and advocacy services to create and maintain an open, safe and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and similarly-identified students, faculty, and staff, their families and friends, and the campus community at large.

Advice for Informal Resolution

It is often difficult to confront a person who is engaging in discrimination or harassment. There are occasions, however, when you feel able to speak to the person engaging in discrimination or harassment to tell that person that the behavior is inappropriate and to stop. This can be done in person, by telephone, e-mail or letter, and may resolve the matter without further intervention. Self-help resources are available to assist with managing difficult or sensitive discussions.

Informal resolution is an optional method of addressing concerns. Although it is not an appropriate option in all situations, it can offer a number of benefits such as preserving relationships, correcting misunderstandings, and giving you control over the outcome. If you feel that you have been discriminated against or harassed, and would like to explore options for informal resolution, consult with any of the resource persons listed below:

Within the School of Public Health, contact the Diversity Officer or the Resolution Officer, Kim Elliott.

The Resolution Officer assists with questions regarding SPH and University policies and procedures, complaints, concerns and advocacy. The Resolution Officer offers dispute resolution services, provides resources and referrals, and can offer alternative resolutions in consultation with other offices as appropriate

At the University, talk to a representative in the Office of Institutional Equity for concerns regarding bias incidents and harassment issues.

The Office of Institutional Equity serves as a resource to the University community on issues of diversity, respect and inclusiveness, provides training on these issues as well as discrimination and harassment, investigates or provides assistance with discrimination and harassment complaints, and assists with reasonable accommodations for employees and general accessibility issues.

If informal attempts at resolution are unsuccessful, or you do not feel safe or comfortable enough to speak to the person, then you may want to explore avenues for formal action, including what to expect if you file a formal complaint.

File a Formal Complaint

We recognize that it may be difficult to report suspected discrimination and harassment or bias incidents, but doing so is essential to maintain an inclusive community characterized by civility and respect. Should you choose to file a formal complaint, there are supports in place to explain what to expect and assist you through the process. You may decide to seek informal resolution of the matter at any time in the process.

File a Report Online

To report a bias-related incident online, please use the Online Hate Crime and Bias Incident Reporting form or call (734) 615-BIAS (2427) during regular business hours.
More information.

To file a complaint against another student, contact the Office of Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR). OSCR provides information about the Statement of Student Rights & Responsibilities and processes complaints of violations of the Statement. The office also provides mediated discussion to help students resolve conflict and helps students learn skills for managing conflict in daily life.