Bias Crime Prevention
Hate Crimes and the Law
It is an Adirondack Community College mandate to protect all members of the campus community by preventing and prosecuting bias or hate crimes that occur within the campus’ jurisdiction.
Hate crimes, also called bias crimes or bias-related crimes, are criminal activity motivated by the perpetrator’s bias or attitude against an individual victim or group based on perceived or actual personal characteristics, such as their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Hate/bias crimes have received renewed attention in recent years, particularly since the passage of the federal Hate/Bias Crime Reporting Act of 1990 and the New York State Hate Crimes Act of 2000 (Penal Law Article 485). Copies of the New York law are available from the Office of the Dean for Student Affairs.
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. Perpetrators who are students will also be subject to campus disciplinary procedures where sanctions including dismissal are possible.
In addition to preventing and prosecuting hate/bias crimes, Adirondack Community College also assists in addressing bias-related activities that do not rise to the level of a crime. These activities, referred to as bias incidents and defined by Adirondack Community College as acts of bigotry, harassment, or intimidation directed at a member or group within the Adirondack Community College community based on national origin, ethnicity, race, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, color, creed, or marital status, may be addressed through the State University’s Discrimination Complaint Procedure or the campus Code of Conduct. Bias incidents can be reported to the Dean for Student Affairs or the Director of Human Resources.
If you are a victim of, or witness to, a hate/bias crime on campus, report it to Campus Security personnel by calling 796-1344 or using a Blue Light phone. You can also contact the Dean for Student Affairs. Designated college personnel will investigate and follow the appropriate adjudication procedures.
Victims of bias crime or bias incidents can avail themselves of counseling and support services from the campus by contacting the Counseling Office at 743-2278, or stopping by the Office, located in Warren Hall.
For general information on Adirondack Community College security procedures, see pages 41 and 42 of this Handbook, or contact the Office of Facilities at 743-2246. Further information about bias-related and bias crimes, including up-to-date statistics on bias crimes is available from Office of the Dean for Student Affairs at 832-7708.
