Editors note: In this 18-month project, University Communications reached out to campus experts to provide content for these Q&As based on their academic and/or lived experience. These Q&As are part of a larger series. They do not represent the official position of the University of Utah and are provided for educational purposes.

The mission of the University of Utah is to foster student success by “preparing students from diverse backgrounds for lives of impact as leaders and citizens.” Respect for one another is key to fulfilling this goal as is creating a safe learning environment where everyone can thrive.

Biased actions of any kind are harmful not only to the individual or group they are meant to diminish, exclude, or hurt, but also to the university community as a whole. These actions create an unsafe environment by communicating that not everyone is welcome in this space—a message that contradicts the university’s very mission and identity.

Check out these Q&As to learn more about recognizing and addressing other types of biases on campus:

• Antisemitism
• Anti-Asian bias
• Anti-Latinx bias
• Anti-LGBTQIA+ bias
• Anti-Mormon bias
• Anti-Muslim bias
• Anti-Native bias
• Anti-Pacific Islander bias
• Sexism and objectification