LGBTQ Resources
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ) Resources
Hate or Biased Related Crime/Incident
In order to foster an inclusive campus environment, the University at Albany is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all students, faculty and staff. Hate crimes and bias-related incidents have no place on the University at Albany campus and will be investigated and addressed appropriately.
If you believe you have experienced a hate crime on campus, or are aware that one may have occurred, you should report it directly to the University Police Department at (518) 442-3131. You may also report a crime or incident anonymously at http://police.albany.edu/crime_report.htm.
If you believe you have witnessed, or that you have been a target of, a hate or bias-related incident on campus or while participating in a University-sponsored activity, you should bring the incident to the attention of University staff as soon as possible. If you live on campus, please speak to your RA, RD or any member of the Residence Life staff. You can also report any incidents to Conflict Resolution and Civic Responsibility at (518) 442-5501. While anyone who is a victim of a bias related incident is not required to take formal action against the perpetrator, the University should be made aware of all incidents so that we can take preventative measures against them and offer victim support.
WHAT IS A HATE CRIME?
The term "hate crime" can cover a wide range of behaviors, but under the law, hate crimes are narrowly defined to include only those acts that are legally considered criminal and are motivated by hatred or bias against the victim's actual or perceived personal characteristics (race, ethnicity, religion, ancestry, color, nationality, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation). Hate crimes are against the law and University at Albany policy. Examples of hate crimes may include a physical assault against another that is based on one’s ethnicity, or vandalism to someone’s property because of intolerance to their sexual orientation. The University at Albany strives to protect all members of the campus community by prosecuting bias or hate crimes that occur within the campus jurisdiction to the fullest extent of the law.
WHAT IS A HATE OR BIAS-RELATED INCIDENT?
A “hate or bias-related incident” is a non-criminal act that is motivated by bias against a specific target or group based on personal characteristics. Depending upon the circumstances, bias-related incidents are "actionable," which means that if the individual or group responsible is identified, the campus judicial system (Conflict Resolution and Civic Responsibility) may be used to address the situation. Examples of bias-related incidents may be derogatory name calling, graffiti on property, notes or symbols (such as a swastika) left on room doors. This office can also help advise you, along with University Police, about whether something you think may be a bias-related incident is actually a crime.
WHERE CAN YOU GET SUPPORT?
If you are a victim of a hate crime or a bias-related incident, you may seek support through the Victim Assistance Liaison at (518) 442-3130. The University Counseling Center can also offer assistance at (518) 442-5480 or at consultation@albany.edu. For peer assistance when classes are in session or after normal business hours, call the Middle Earth Hotline at (518) 442-5777. If you have questions or concerns you would like to discuss, you may contact Conflict Resolution and Civic Responsibility at crcr@uamail.albany.edu or call (518) 442-5501.
