Report an Incident

Brown University students, staff and faculty who have experienced or witnessed an incident of bias, discrimination or harassment are encouraged to report it to the University.

For Immediate Assistance

The reporting forms listed below are for non-emergency incidents only; they are not monitored in real time. If you are experiencing an emergency situation, call 911 or contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 401-863-4111 (or dial x3-4111 from any campus location).

Report an Incident of Bias, Discrimination, Harassment or Sexual Violence

If a student, faculty staff member, or University guest experiences or witnesses discriminatory or harassing behavior against themselves or others, including disability discrimination, denial of accessibility accommodations, sexual violence, gender-based discrimination, or retaliation, they may report it via the forms below. 

Although these types of incidents may seem similar, the definitions, responding offices, and disciplinary options differ. Some definitions and examples are below. We encourage you to describe what you have experienced, and our staff will review your situation and help guide and support you through the process. 

Please note: Submitting a report does not obligate you to submit a formal complaint or engage in a campus complaint resolution process.

Report Bias, Discrimination and Harassment

Report Gender Discrimination and Sexual Violence

Understanding the Categories of Incidents

A bias incident is any consciously, unconsciously, explicitly, or implicitly expressed act that targets individuals or groups based on perceived or actual identity. To be considered a bias incident, the act is not required to be a crime under any federal, state or local law, nor does it have to violate University policy. A bias incident can refer to single or ongoing instances of behavior, action, or practice that marginalizes, demeans, intimidates, or threatens individuals or groups based on an actual or perceived membership in a protected class.

Learn more about Bias

Discrimination is the unequal treatment of any person based on their race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected class. Harassment is a form of discrimination that includes conduct that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a working, educational or living environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, abusive or offensive.

Learn more about Discrimination and Harassment

Below are some examples of conduct that may constitute discrimination or harassment:

  • Offensive jokes or slurs based on someone’s race, color, disability or another characteristic of their identity as a member of a protected class. 
  • Ridiculing someone or showing offensive objects or images, based on their religion or citizenship/residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity. 
  • Denying someone employment or a promotion based on age.
  • Punishing or taking negative action against someone in response to their report of discrimination or harassment.

Brown University provides equal opportunity to individuals of all abilities and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based upon a person’s disability in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities.

Learn more about Disability Discrimination and Accessibility

Below are some examples of conduct that may constitute disability discrimination:

  • Offensive comments or conduct about a person’s disability.
  • Intrusive comments or questions about someone’s disability.
  • Refusing to provide approved, reasonable accommodations at work or school.

Gender discrimination and sexual violence includes sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation, in addition to sexual exploitation and the provision of alcohol and/or other drugs for purposes of prohibited conduct.

Learn more about Gender Discrimination and Sexual Violence

Below are some examples of conduct that may constitute gender discrimination or sexual violence:

  • Sexual acts without consent, including when someone is incapable of giving consent.
  • Humiliating or degrading comments or conduct of a sexual nature.
  • Conditioning the provision of a promotion on an individual's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.

What happens after I submit an incident report?

Staff in the Office of Equity Compliance and Reporting in the Division of Campus Life or the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity (OIED) will review your report and contact you to discuss the next steps. The office that contacts you will depend on the type of incident you report. They are available at any time to consult with you about your experience and answer any questions you have about the reporting form, Brown policies, and the complaint process. Email [email protected] or call 401-863-1800.

Learn about the Reporting and Complaint Resolution Processes

Report a Violation of Student Conduct

Students, faculty and staff may report a potential violation of the Code of Student Conduct through the form linked below. After submitting a report, a staff member from the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards will review the report and respond to you.

File a Campus Incident Complaint

Other Reporting Options and Resources

To encourage individuals to voice their concerns, Brown University has a non-emergency Anonymous Reporting Hotline; students, faculty and staff may call 877-318-9184 or report online. This hotline may be used to report behavior suspected to be inconsistent with University policies, potential fraud and other ethical and compliance concerns.
Brown’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) has options for emergency and non-emergency reporting, as well as a Silent Witness reporting form which allows you to anonymously provide DPS with valuable information about a crime or suspicious incident.
The University Ombuds provides confidential, neutral, independent, and informal assistance to faculty, staff, postdocs, graduate students, and medical students who have concerns arising from or affecting their life at Brown. The office is a source of support for those who want to develop options for addressing a particular concern or who may wish to consider learning how to deal with issues on their own.