Bias Education and Response Team (BERT)
At Napa Valley College (NVC), we are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for all students, faculty, and staff. The Bias Education & Response Team (BERT) plays a vital role in this mission by addressing incidents of bias and hate, providing support to those affected, and promoting education to prevent discrimination and intolerance.
BERT operates under the Title IX & Civil Rights Office, working in collaboration with campus police, human resources, student services, and other key departments to respond effectively to bias incidents and hate crimes.
What is bert?
The Bias Education & Response Team (BERT) is a trained group of campus community members dedicated to:
✔ Monitoring Campus Climate – Identifying and addressing issues related to bias and discrimination.
✔ Educating & Raising Awareness – Providing workshops, training, and resources on bias prevention.
✔ Responding to Incidents – Supporting individuals affected by bias incidents and hate crimes.
✔ Advocating for Victims – Ensuring appropriate referrals and campus-wide communication.
✔ Promoting a Hate-Free Campus – Encouraging dialogue, diversity, and inclusion.
What is a bias incident vs. a hate crime?
- Bias Incident: Any act, speech, or expression motivated by bias but not necessarily a crime (e.g., derogatory comments or offensive symbols).
- Hate Crime: A criminal offense motivated in whole or in part by the victim’s race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or other protected identity.
All hate crimes are bias incidents, but not all bias incidents are hate crimes. Regardless of classification, BERT ensures that victims receive the appropriate support and that the campus remains an inclusive space for all.
Make a report
Use this form to report incidents of sexual misconduct and behavior that violate Title IX.
- Sexual assault
- Sexual harassment
- Dating/domestic violence
- Gender-based discrimination
- Stalking
Use this form to report incidents of discrimination or hate crimes based on these protected categories:
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Disability
- Race
- Religion
- National Origin
You may report other types of discrimination or hate crimes beyond this list.
Join the effort
BERT is always looking for dedicated individuals to support our mission. Whether you’re a student, faculty, or staff member, there are ways you can get involved!
🔹 Become a BERT Member – Participate in specialized training and assist in bias response.
🔹 Attend Training & Events – Educate yourself and others on inclusion and hate prevention.
🔹 Be an Ally – Advocate for a hate-free campus and support those affected by bias.