Bias Crime Prevention
Hate Crimes and the Law
The Stony Brook University Police Department is mandated to protect all members of the campus community by investigating all incidents or allegations of bias or hate crimes, and by preventing such crimes that occur within the campus’ jurisdiction. In addition to preventing and investigating hate/bias crimes, the Stony Brook University Police Department also assists in addressing bias-related activities that do not rise to the level of a crime.
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 race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, religion, religious practice, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Hate/bias crimes have received renewed attention in recent years, particularly since the passage of the Federal Hate/Bias Crimes Reporting Act of 1990 and the New York State Hate Crimes Act of 2000 (Penal Law Article 485).
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 sanctions including expulsion are possible.
In addition to preventing and arresting those responsible for hate/bias crimes, the Stony Brook University Police Department also assists in addressing bias-related activities that do not rise to the level of a crime. These incidents may be acts of bigotry, harassment, or intimidation directed at a member or group within the Stony Brook community based on national origin, ethnicity, race, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, color, creed or marital status, may be addressed through the University’s Complaint Procedure for Allegations of Discrimination. These incidents can be reported to the University Police or directly to the University’s Title lX Coordinator Marjolie Leonard at 632-6280.
If you are a victim or a witness to a hate/bias crime on campus, report it to the University Police by 333 from any campus phone or by calling 911 on your cell phone. University Police will follow up and ensure appropriate notifications are made.
Victims of bias crime or bias incidents can avail themselves of appropriate counseling and support by contacting the University’s Office of Equity and Access in Room 201 of the Administration Building or by calling 631-632-6280.
More information about bias-related incidents and crimes, including statistics, is available by viewing the University’s Annual Security Report including Hate Crimes.