Definitions of Terms

What is a bias-related incident?

A bias-related incident is an act motivated by the offender’s bias against the actual – or perceived – age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, religious practices, or sexual orientation of the targeted person or group, but does not rise to the level of a criminal offense. Examples may include telling jokes based on stereotypes; posting on social media about someone based on identity; using offensive language that may pertain to identity; taking down or tampering with bulletin boards or displays.

What is a hate crime?

A hate crime is a criminal offense, committed against a person or property which is motivated by the offender’s bias against the actual – or perceived – age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, religious practices, or sexual orientation of the targeted person or group. Examples include graffiti, destruction of property, threat of violence, or intent to harm. 

What are microaggressive behaviors?

Microaggressive behaviors are insults, actions, or comments which contribute to an environment or experience that is not welcoming to a person or group based on their age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, religious practices, or sexual orientation. Examples may include excluding a person from group projects because, in part, of skin color or religious practices; comments made in the classroom that single out a person which may be related to identity.

For further questions, please contact the Office of Intercultural Affairs at 508-565-1409 or diversity@stonehill.edu, or stop by Duffy 149.