BIAS CRIMES PREVENTION Hate or Bias-Related Crimes and the Law It is a State University of New York at Purchase College Police mandate to protect all members of the Purchase College campus community by preventing and prosecuting bias or hate crimes that occur within the campus's 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 University Police, Student Affairs.
NYS PENAL LAW BIAS CRIMES Hate or Bias-Related Incidents
In addition to preventing and prosecuting hate/bias crimes, State University of New York at Purchase College Police also assist 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 the University as acts of bigotry, harassment, or intimidation directed at a member or group within the Purchase College campus 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 conduct code.
Hate/Bias crimes are against both the law and Purchase College policy. Bias incidents can be reported to University Police as well as to the Affirmative Action Office. Penalties 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 may include Disciplinary Probation, Suspension or Dismissal from the University.
How to make a Formal Complaint
If you are a victim of, or witness to, a hate/bias-related crime on campus, report it to University Police by calling 911 or 251-6911 in an emergency or 251-6900 for general reporting, using a Blue Light or other campus emergency telephone, calling the Safe Campus Incident Reporting Hotline at 251-6868, or stopping by University Police or Student Affairs Offices.
University Police will investigate and follow the appropriate adjudication procedures. Support Services and other Resources Victims of bias crime or bias incidents can avail themselves of counseling and support services from the campus as follows:
+Counseling Center: 251-6390
+Student Affairs: 251-6030
+Student Health Services: 251-6380
+Safe Campus Incident Reporting Hotline: 251-6868
+Health and Peer Education: 251-6657
+Purchase College Peer Advocacy Services: 251-5911
+Westchester County Victims Assistance Services: (914) 345-3113
+Westchester County Rape Crisis 24 Hour Helpline: (914) 345-9111
+New York State 24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotlines: 1-800-942-6906