What should someone do if he or she experiences or witnesses a hate crime? This question will be explored at an upcoming SUNY Empire State College forum on hate crimes, which begins at 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16, at the college’s Manhattan location, 3rd floor, 325 Hudson St., New York City.

Letitia James, New York City public advocate, who also is an adjunct faculty member with the college, and Deputy Inspector Mark Magrone, commanding officer of the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, are featured speakers.

One of the college’s many student clubs, the ESC Human Services Collaborative, is sponsoring the event with the college’s Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies.

Students in Associate Professor of Community and Human Services David Gechlik’s group study on hate crimes were interested in raising public awareness about the topic and came up with the idea of organizing and hosting the forum.

Gechlik moderates the forum and Lisa Whiteside, an instructor with the college, who is retired from the New York City Department of Corrections, also will speak.

The forum also provides an opportunity for the college community to share their experiences and speak with experts on hate crimes.

A question and answer session with the audience concludes the forum’s program.

Attendance at the event is free and open to the public.