Category: News

by Magdalena Sisto '29 on October 22, 2026

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The Office of Equity Compliance at Providence College plays an integral role in maintaining the promise of a Beloved Community that the institution collectively strives to uphold. The process of reporting and investigating alleged hate speech has recently undergone some structural changes between the establishment of the Office of Equity Compliance and the restructuring of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office. This article aims to remind students of the resources the OEC provides and to investigate the 135 percent increase in reports of hate speech, from 17 to 40, over the past academic year. Members of the PC community have a responsibility to stay informed of these resources and to take advantage of them accordingly.  

How does Providence College define hate speech? 

According to Simone Tubman, Assistant Vice President for Equity Compliance | Title VI  and Title IX Coordinator, “Providence College’s policy defines hate speech as any unwelcome speech or conduct that is motivated by bias, is subjectively and objectively offensive, or is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the  College’s education program or activity.” She added that “hate speech or hate conduct does not need to be targeted at the complainant or reporting party to create a hostile environment. Conduct may be directed at anyone, and/or may be based on an individual’s perceived or actual protected characteristics or affiliation with an individual or group of individuals maintaining protected characteristics.” 

What happens after a report? 

Within about 24 hours, or the next business day, the OEC sends an email with resources,  support, and a voluntary option to connect. Tubman said the office typically makes three outreach attempts. If there is no response, they tell the impacted person they can reach out whenever they need support. An investigation only begins when a Formal Complaint has been filed. Tubman declined to say exactly how many cases ended in academic discipline due to privacy concerns. She did, however, confirm that the consequences range from warning to expulsion. She emphasized that every case and outcome is different.  

Navigating the process of filing a Formal Complaint may seem difficult and needlessly complicated. There are federal regulations and laws that the College has to follow. The OEC is charged with making those laws digestible. The legal system is rigid; the College’s process doesn’t have to be. Even the language reflects that: outcomes are “responsible” or “not responsible,” not  “guilty” or “not guilty.” Notably, the office has a responsibility to support both parties and aims to hold people accountable in a way that nurtures their development. PC is first and foremost a learning institution, and that ultimately informs the way they proceed with reports.  

Why the increase?

Tubman attributes the increase in reports to the College’s investment in a centralized office. Before the establishment of the OEC, Title VI concerns could always be reported to other offices, but the OEC is specifically designed to handle these reports with care. They are equipped with the time and tools necessary to launch engagement efforts and raise awareness.  “An increase in reporting means that members of our community understand community values,  know where to go to share concerns, and are open to sharing concerns,” Tubman said. 

What can you do? 

Tubman urges students to attend programs, workshops, and events, and respond to campus surveys. The OEC values student input and wants every student to have a voice. Tubman noted  that “when those opportunities are underutilized, we miss valuable moments to learn from one another and inform institutional efforts.” Further details of the OEC’s policies and procedures can be found at https://equity-compliance.providence.edu/