Georgetown University has a rich tradition of embracing people from a wide spectrum of faiths, ethnicities, cultures and backgrounds. As the University Mission statement reads, Georgetown was “[f]ounded on the principle that serious and sustained discourse among people of different faiths, cultures, and beliefs promotes intellectual, ethical, and spiritual understanding” and we continue our commitment to promoting a diverse, tolerant and respectful campus community. The University reflects the greater pluralism of today’s global society. Georgetown considers acts of hate and bias unacceptable and antithetical to its commitment to an inclusive and respectful community.

In the spring of 2004, student demonstrations prompted University President, John J. DeGioia to convene a Hate and Bias Reporting Working Group to improve the awareness of and response to acts of intolerance, bias, and hate within the University community. The group included University administrators, staff and students who worked collaboratively to compile and provide resources to better aid the University community in confronting intolerance. As a result of their work, the Bias Related Incident Reporting System was implemented.