UW Medicine Bias Reporting Tool

UW Medicine is an organization that embraces diversity, advances equity, and fosters inclusion and collaboration. We are a community that expects support and respect at all levels. We realize there are times when individuals at all levels in our system engage in biased behaviors which adversely impact the learning, teaching, working or healing experiences of others.

The Bias Reporting Tool is for sharing incidents of bias including racism, sexism, ableism, discrimination of any form or other behaviors that do not reflect the prioritization of inclusion and equity expected in all areas of our community.

We are committed to responding to these events and continuing to improve our climate. Thank you for taking the time to tell us what happened.

We understand sharing concerns can be difficult and we welcome anonymous reports. If you choose to report anonymously, please know our ability for follow-up will be limited. We encourage you to provide your contact information so we can reach out to you, hear more about what happened, hear how it impacted you, and discuss resources.

Click the button below to access the tool.

Bias Reporting Tool

First_Annual Community Report, 2021-2022 Download

Initial Community Report, 2021 Download

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bias incident?

A bias incident is an event with any form of discrimination, microaggression, or harassment against a member of the university community based on perception of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability or veteran status. Our goal is to have a broad definition of reportable events. This is because we want to hear about what is happening in our community as we actively work towards building a more inclusive environment.
Why should I use this tool?

One of the challenges in large organizations is that most instances of unprofessional or harmful behaviors are not reported. By having a centralized way to report problems and identify areas and topics that need attention, we can develop more targeted interventions to improve our community.
While you may choose to submit an anonymous report we encourage you to share your contact information. However, we welcome anonymous reports to enhance our collective knowledge and understanding of the current climate.
What happens after I submit a report?

A member of the BRT team will review the report and contact you to learn more about what happened, hear how it impacted you, and discuss resources. The information you shared will be in our database, to provide us with an overall picture of what our students, trainees, staff and faculty are experiencing. The committee will determine what follow up options are available. Examples include asking facilities services to remove graffiti, providing support to an affected community or providing feedback to a department or individual.
We understand sharing concerns can be difficult and we welcome anonymous reports. If you choose to report anonymously, please know our ability for follow-up will be limited.
Will my report result in an investigation of the matter?

It is important to note that the committee is neither a formal investigative nor an oversight body. In many cases, it is entirely up to the person making the report to decide if they want to initiate a formal. If you submit a report and provide contact information, the committee can let you know your options for having the matter investigated and can provide resources. In rare instances, we may be compelled by law to report a matter to appropriate investigative body (e.g., Safe Campus, UW Medicine Compliance).

If you have non-urgent questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to any member of the team below or email biasreportingtool@uw.edu (please note, this email should not be used for urgent situations).

BRT Committee

Elaine Acacio Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, UWMC
Chantal Cayo Chief Nursing Officer, UW Primary Care Clinics
Elisa Clegg Bias Reporting Tool Coordinator, Office of Healthcare Equity, UW Medicine
Nancy Colobong Smith Clinical Nurse Specialist, UWMC
Giana Davidson Assistant Dean for Professionalism, UW School of Medicine
Joseph de Veyra Associate Chief Nursing Officer of Professional Development and Nursing Excellence, Harborview Medical Center
Cindy Hamra Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education
Paula Houston Chief Equity Officer, Office of Healthcare Equity, UW Medicine
Trish Kritek Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, UW School of Medicine
Heather McPhillips Associate Dean for Curriculum, UW School of Medicine
Santiago Neme Medical Director, UW Medical Center Northwest
Chiedza Nziramasanga Senior HR Consultant, UW Medicine
Jennifer Petritz Employee Relations Director, UW Medicine
Martine Pierre-Louis Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Harborview Medical Center
Barb Van Ess Director of Personnel Policy, UW School of Medicine Chief Business Office
Maria Zontine Director of Human Resources, UW School of Medicine Chief Business Office