The Racist and Bias Incident Response Team was created in late 2019 and aimed to bring together perspectives and processes from across the university in order to develop a coordinated approach to responding to racist and bias incidents on campus. The committee membership capitalizes on the knowledge, reporting structures, programming, and communication tools already in existence. Additionally, a new position was created in fall 2020 for a Special Assistant to the Chief Safety Officer. This position manages the processes developed by the committee and works closely with the team as it continues to advise, support, and assist in the implementation of university responses.
Committee membership includes representatives from Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; University Police; Facilities Management; Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action; ASUU; The Office of Inclusive Excellence; The Counseling Center; University Information Technology; Housing and Residential Education; The Center for Student Wellness; Academic Affairs; University of Utah Health; University Safety; and University Marketing and Communications. Members also collaborate with the Anti-Racism Committee to advise the Steering Committee on incidents of racism and racial bias on campus and relevant countermeasures.
