Acts of Bias

Bias incidents are acts of conduct, speech, or expression that target individuals and groups based on age. citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, geographic origin, language, marital status, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

Bias incidents may violate the student conduct code, and other University policies or laws, while other acts of bias may be considered protected speech or expression. Pacific protects free expression of ideas, even if they are unpopular, because this is vital in promoting learning in an educational setting. Freedom of speech can sometimes protect controversial ideas and sometimes even offensive and hurtful language; however, it does not protect personal threats, discriminatory conduct or other acts of misconduct that violate the Student Code of Conduct, other University policies or relevant federal, state and local laws.

Acts of Hate

A "hate crime" is defined in California Penal Code Section 13023, which states in part "any criminal act(s) or attempted criminal act(s) to cause physical injury, emotional suffering, or property damage where there is a reasonable cause to believe the crime was motivated, in whole or in part, by the victim's race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or physical or mental disability."

Hate crimes may violate federal and civil statutes, and therefore, may be prosecutable if appropriate. Pacific's Office of Public Safety forwards Hate Crime Reports filed at the University to the Vice/Criminal Intelligence Unit of the Stockton Police Department for follow-up. The Vice/Criminal Intelligence Unit is responsible for compiling statistics on hate crimes and ensuring the data is reported in accordance WIhtstate guidelines. Public Safety is required to remain in compliance with the requirements of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act by including data on reported Hate Crimes.

Acts of Discrimination, Harassment and Discriminatory Harassment

The University prohibits acts of Discrimination, Harassment and Discriminatory Harassment by and against members of the Pacific Community such as faculty, staff and students, including hostile behavior that is engaged in on the basis of a person's race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (gender), sexual orientation, age, religion, religious creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, military status, citizenship status, and other status protected by law.

To report an alleged incident, please refer to the Bias and/or Other Hate Incident Report Form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For more information about Bias Response and Reporting, please see the Bias FAQ.

Bias Response Team

The Bias Response Team serves as a responsible group for assessing and referring reports of bias or acts of harassment and discrimination that impact a personal sense of belonging and value in our campus community. 

We value each member of the Pacific community. We celebrate the richness that our diversity of backgrounds brings to the learning environment, to academic inquiry, and to achieving excellence in our educational mission.

The BRT contributes to advancing the diversity and inclusiveness of the Pacific community as well as enhancing the learning environment by ensuring that all members have the means to share incidents that negatively affect their sense of belonging and their ability to be successful. 

We understand that the BRT is one of the many ways that the University maintains a safe and welcoming campus climate. The BRT is comprised of:

  • the Core Team performs case management and administrative oversight.
  • the Extended Team members serve as liaisons, advocates, and consultants with expertise related to the specific student populations served by their offices and departments throughout the University. This is a critical part of the institution's ability to craft immediate as well as future responses.

The Bias Response Team is jointly chaired by:

  • Maria Blandizzi, Vice President for Student Life
  • Mary J. Lomax-Ghirarduzzi, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Jose Leon, Assistant Vice President, Dean of Students
  • Jared Stammer, Assistant Dean of Students, Student Conduct & Community Standards
  • Suong Ives, Chief People Officer


If you have any questions about how to complete the Bias Reporting Form, or if you would prefer to meet with someone personally to discuss the incident we encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section for more information.

Members of the University community are strongly encouraged to report all crimes and suspicious activity to their campus Department of Public Safety/Security or appropriate police agency in a prompt and timely manner.
Stockton Campus - 209.946.3911
Sacramento Campus - 916.739.7200  
San Francisco Campus - 415.929.6411