Students walking on walkway

Bias Incident Response Team and Bias Education Team

Sharing Feedback BLM Resources DEI Home

Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT)

The College’s Bias Incident Reporting system is a mechanism for individuals to report a bias-related incident, such as discrimination, harassment or a hate crime, whether as a victim or witness to the incident. Reports are promptly reviewed by the College’s Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT), founded in 2016.

BIRT Process

After a Bias Incident Report is received, a member of the BIRT meets with the affected party(ies). The BIRT may consult with and refer to the following areas for review and response to the incident:

  • Academic Affairs (if the incident involves a member of the faculty) 
  • Bias Education Team (for response based on education/trends) 
  • Behavioral Intervention Team 
  • Campus Safety or Law Enforcement 
  • Human Resources (if the incident involves a college staff member) 
  • Residence Life (if the incident took place in the residence halls) 
  • Student Conduct/Dean of Students 
  • Title VI Office/Assistant Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
North Central College sign

The BIRT may also perform one or more of the following actions:

  • Identify members of the community who may be affected by the incident and need assistance or support 
  • Evaluate appropriate communications to effectively inform the campus community and affected groups about bias incidents and responses 
  • Provide information about the college’s commitment to equity, inclusion, academic freedom, and freedom of expression to affected parties 
  • Recommend or provide coaching, education or mediation 
  • Refer affected party to local resources 
Old Main

BIRT Membership

  • Dorothy Pleas, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Multicultural Affairs
  • Rebecca Gordon, Assistant Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Kevin McCarthy, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
  • Steven Weaver, Assistant Dean of Students
  • Julie Williams, Assistant Provost for Student Success and Dean of Academic Services
  • Tatiana Sifri, Director of the Dyson Wellness Center
  • Andrew Zobac, Director of Residence Life
  • Ashley Klco, Director of Campus Safety
  • Mary Spreitzer, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources
  • Susan Kane, Associate Athletic Director

Bias Education Team

The College’s Bias Education Team (BET) was established in 2017 to support an inclusive atmosphere that fosters respect, embraces differences and welcomes diversity on campus. The Team works to provide education and learning opportunities to prevent and educate the community about bias-related attitudes and behavior. The BET works closely with the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) to identify and address trends on campus and across the nation with a goal of reducing incidences of bias and hate on campus, and to promote a healthy, inclusive campus community.

The BET consists of members of the campus community including students and staff from the following departments:

  • Multicultural Affairs 
  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Student Affairs
  • Residence Life 
  • Campus Safety 
Lively classroom discussion

BET Membership

  • Dorothy Pleas, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Multicultural Affairs
  • Rebecca Gordon, Assistant Vice President of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Stephania Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs
  • Steve Weaver, Assistant Dean of Students
  • Augustine DeBacco, Assistant Director of Residence Life
  • Ariel McWillie, Area Hall Director
  • Kamelotte Gregory, Assistant Director of Social Impact
  • Haven Denson, student

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at North Central

North Central College strives to grow in diversity, equity and inclusion through the work of our faculty and staff, the openness and honesty of our students, the support of our alumni, and the continuing commitment of the entire North Central community. Share our journey with us and discover how we are working to be the change and become a true college of destination.

Old Main