- Newton Public Schools
- Policies, Procedures & Protocols
- Responding to Incidents of Bias or Discrimination
What is an incident of discrimination or bias?
Any time a member of our community is treated differently or disadvantaged because an aspect of their identity puts them in a protected class, it may be an incident of discrimination or bias. Discrimination might take the form of subtle bias, hateful speech in the form of insults or epithets, or ongoing harassment or retaliation for a past event or report. Some incidents of bullying, or repeated targeting of another person in an unwanted manner, may also be acts of discrimination. Criminal acts motivated by bias may be considered hate crimes and may involve additional legal consequences. When incidents of possible discrimination or bias do occur, we are committed to conducting a full investigation to determine what harm has been done, how it can be fully addressed, and ways in which it can be prevented from occurring again.