Did You Know?

Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents

Why Report Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents?

Reporting hate crimes and incidents, even those you might not consider "serious," is important to monitoring and preventing future incidents. By reporting detailed information on hate related incidents and crimes, you can strengthen the case for official action and will assist the UMass Dartmouth Police identifying patterns that can be tracked and documented. These issues can be addressed by the police, the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and the University Administration before more serious incidents occur. Hate crimes and hate incidents will not be tolerated here at UMass Dartmouth.

What is a Hate Crime?

A hate crime is a crime which is committed because of the victim's race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Hate crimes can include: graffiti, verbal intimidation or threats, hate mail (including e-mail), property damage, harassment, trespassing, stalking, physical assaults, threats, arson, attacks with weapons and murder. Hate crimes are against Massachusetts and federal law and are serious violations of University policy.

What is a Hate Incident?

Not all expressions of hate or group bias rise to the level of a hate crime as defined in state and federal statutes. Derogatory works or epithets directed against a member of a previously defined group because they are a member of such group, if NOT accompanied by a threat or harm with the ability to carry it out, are not hate crimes. These situations represent hate incidents and are investigated thoroughly when reported.

Remember, if you:

SEE IT,

REPORT IT.

STOP THE HATE

Thank You,

UMass Dartmouth Police Department