Biostatistics DEI Bystander Intervention

We at Michigan Biostatistics, along with countless others, have pivoted from our everyday academic lives to make a full-hearted response to COVID19 professionally and in our community service.

Taking Action

What you can do when you see someone is experiencing biased or hate speech or action?

Practical ways to deal with everyday bigotry in the family, friends, work, school and in public places. 

Move from being a Bystander to being an Upstander and other supportive roles

Bystander Intervention Do's and Dont's

Tips for Responding to Racist Attacks

Preventing and responding to hate crimes.

The 4 D’s of Bystander Intervention

Planning ahead is the first step to being able to react in the moment. Telling yourself that you are someone who will speak up goes a long way toward shifting from inaction to action.   

Distract

Distraction is a subtle and creative way to intervene. Distract either the harasser or the target with conversation unrelated to the harassment to derail and de-escalate the situation. Examples: Ask for directions; Spill your drink “accidentally;” Pretend you know one of them.

Delegate 

Bring in a 3rd party to help, possibly someone with more perceived authority. Examples: Alert a store manager, bus driver, club bouncer, or someone else to help intervene. Do not call the police unless requested.

Direct 

Respond directly to the aggressor or physically intervene if necessary. Be confident, assertive, calm. Examples: walk up to engage a street harasser and directly ask them to stop their behavior.

Delay 

If you can’t intervene in the moment, you can check in with the person being harassed afterwards to see if you can do anything to support them, illustrating that they are not alone. Examples: “Is everything okay? Is there anything I can do?” “Is there someone we can call?” “Can I buy you a cup of coffee?”