WSU Pullman Community Equity Response Team

The WSU Pullman Community Equity Response Team (CERT) advises the Chancellor and campus leaders by identifying early warning signs of divisive incidents on the WSU Pullman campus, helping to coordinate quick and consistent responses to these and other bias incidents, and facilitating thoughtful action when an incident occurs. The CERT’s goal is to foster an environment where WSU’s values of integrity, trust, respect, diversity, global citizenship, and freedom of expression are realized and where all Cougs feel a true sense of belonging.

The CERT also advises the Chancellor concerning incidents of bias and injustice on the Palouse, in the state of Washington, and across the globe. The CERT engages with individuals, groups, and the campus community after an incident to ensure students, faculty, and staff feel safe, supported, and heard.

The CERT works in collaboration with other campus departments to initiate communications, programming, and/or services. Some matters may be addressed jointly by the CERT, the WSU Pullman Police Department, the Center for Community Standards, the WSU Pullman Chancellor’s Office, and/or Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR).

Reporting:

Activities/events reported to the CERT, as well as follow-up recommendations from the group will be shared with the following units as appropriate:

  • WSU Pullman Leadership Team
  • Housing and Residence Life
  • WSU Pullman Office of Admissions
  • Other units that may be impacted by the activity/event

Incidents, whether current, past, or future, may be reported at any time to any member of the CERT, or by emailing pullman.cert@wsu.edu. If you’re unsure if an incident needs to be addressed by the CERT, please err on the side of reporting it—we want to ensure the most inclusive environment for all our Cougs.

It is important to note that the CERT is not a sanctioning body. It does not take disciplinary action or impose sanctions/consequences on students, faculty, staff, or others who have instigated or participated in a bias incident. If sanctions or disciplinary action are deemed appropriate after an investigation, the Center for Community Standards and/or Human Resource Services determines an appropriate sanction. Incidents reported to the CERT that include elements of discrimination, harassment, and/or compliance/civil rights violations will automatically be shared with CCR.

The WSU Pullman Chancellor shall appoint members from the following organizations to the WSU Pullman CRT. Each member shall serve a one-year renewable term. Additional subject matter experts may be invited to participate on an as-needed basis.

  • Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life
  • Student Engagement Services
  • Compliance and Civil Rights
  • Multicultural Student Services
  • International Programs
  • WSU Pullman Police
  • Provost’s Office
  • Human Resources Services

Additionally, the following individuals will retain permanent positions on the CRT:

  • President, ASWSU Pullman
  • President, GPSA
  • Vice Chancellor, Equity and Inclusive Excellence
  • Dean of Students
  • Director, Campus Climate and Community Building (chair)
  • Campus Chief of Staff, WSU Pullman

Current membership

Matthew Jeffries, Chair

Assistant Dean of Students
Director, Campus Climate and Community Building
matthew.jeffries@wsu.edu

Steve Bischoff

Assistant Dean of Students
Director, Multicultural Student Services
bischoff@wsu.edu

Lisa Guerrero

Vice Chancellor for Equity and Inclusive Excellence, WSU Pullman
laguerre@wsu.edu

Kate Hellmann

Director, International Student and Scholar Services
khellmann@wsu.edu

Kristina Peterson-Wilson

Vice Provost for Academic Administration
Chief of Staff, Office of the Provost
kpeterson2@wsu.edu