Campus Environment Team
The Campus Environment Team (the “C.E.T.”) was created to further the university’s strategy toward creating a more welcoming and inclusive community through active listening and responsiveness, care, and education.
The C.E.T. is designed to provide opportunities for education and conversation regarding biases that involve the Lipscomb community. The C.E.T. does not recommend punitive or disciplinary action against members of the Lipscomb community.
The C.E.T. reporting system is designed and intended for Lipscomb University undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty and staff members should refer to the Lipscomb Faculty Handbook and the Lipscomb Employee Handbook, respectively, regarding the appropriate process for filing a complaint or grievance.
A note about academic freedom
As a private institution, Lipscomb has adopted governance documents, policies, and procedures in guiding its ability to create inclusive learning and working environments. Lipscomb values the exchange of ideas, constructive dialogue, diverse perspectives, and critical thought. These are principles consistent with Lipscomb’s Centering Core and Statement of Faith.
The C.E.T.’s review of a bias occurrence will not infringe on the academic freedom of faculty and this policy is subject to the terms of Lipscomb’s applicable policies and procedures related to academic freedom. It is important to note that individuals may experience certain academic material and topics as biased and that there may be inclusive and thoughtful approaches to incorporating subject matter.
Report a Bias-Related Incident
How do I make a report?
Any university student, or staff or faculty member who is aware of a bias occurrence related to a member of the Lipscomb community may report such bias occurrence through any of the following means:
1) Online form
2) Email sent to a C.E.T. member
3) A verbal (in-person) statement made to a C.E.T. member
Please Note: You should not use this form to report a sexual assault. Any report of a sexual assault through this system will be shared with the Title IX Coordinator.
Importance of Reporting
The overall goal of the bias education and support process is to foster an inclusive and culturally responsive campus community. In order to accomplish greater inclusion and realize the mission to be a community of learners, the university strives to create learning moments for the campus community. This relies on each community member living Lipscomb’s core values of personal and social responsibility, trust, and respect, as well as standing up to, addressing, and/or reporting bias occurrences, whether intentional or unintentional. The C.E.T. offers resources and consultation for individuals who wish to talk through experience, personally address or advise others on addressing bias, or seek more knowledge and education on the topic of bias. As an institution, Lipscomb has a vested interest in learning about bias occurrences to track trends, offer support, provide education, and to shape a climate of inclusion.