Bias-Related Crime

Bias-Related Crime

Sponsor:

Assistant Vice President of Human Resources and Chief of Staff

Contact:

Director of Safety and Security

Category:

Safety and Security

Number:

1200.012

Effective Date:

13/2020/11

Implementation History:

11/13/2020 First official policy

Keywords:

Hate crime, bias crime, harassment, bias incident

Background Information:

This information has been posted on the safety and security webpage as well as in the Annual Safety Report. In 11/2020 it was accepted as an official college policy. 

Purpose

Empire State College takes bias incidents seriously. The college provides the following information to students and employees to assist in the prevention of and response to bias incidents.            

Definitions

Bias Crimes: Hate crimes, also called bias crimes or bias-related crimes, are criminal activities motivated by the perpetrator’s bias or attitude against an individual victim or group based on perceived or actual personal characteristics, such as race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Bias Incidents: Bias incidents directed at a member of a group within Empire State College that may or may not rise to the level of a crime include bigotry, harassment or intimidation based on national origin, ethnicity, race, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, color, creed or marital status.

Statements

SUNY Empire college does not tolerate bias crimes or bias incidents. If you are the victim of, or witness to, a bias crime or incidents at a college location or event, report it using the procedures herein.

Applicable Legislation and Regulations

This policy meets the requirements of the New York State Hate Crimes Act of 2000 (Penal Law Article 485).

This policy meets requirements of NYS Article 129-A

Related References, Policies, Procedures, Forms and Appendices

Procedures

Bias crime: Penalties for bias-related crimes are very serious and range from fines to imprisonment for lengthy periods, depending on the nature of the underlying criminal offense, the use of violence or previous convictions of the offender. If you are the victim of, or witness to, a hate/bias crime at a college location or event, report it to the appropriate local police agency. Since college services are delivered through locations across the state and the college does not have its own police force, we rely on local law enforcement to respond to reported crimes at our locations.

Bias incidents: Such incidents may be addressed through the State University’s Discrimination Complaint Procedure or the college’s Student Conduct Policy and Procedures. 

All bias related incidents should be reported to the Office of Safety & Security 518-587-2100, ext. 2800.

The office of safety and security will assess what resources, if any, are required or would be helpful to the reporter and forward the incident to the appropriate college personnel.

Related ESC Policies 

Discrimination Complaint Procedures

Non-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment Policy

Sexual Harassment Policy

Student Conduct Policy and Procedures