Bias-Related Crime

It is a New York State (NYS) University Police Department mandate to protect all members of the SUNY Morrisville community by preventing and prosecuting bias or hate crimes that occur within the College jurisdiction. Hate crimes, also called bias crimes or bias-related crimes, are criminal activity motivated by the perpetrator’s bias or attitude toward or against an individual or group based on perceived or actual personal characteristics, such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or individuals with disabilities. Hate/bias crimes have received ongoing attention, including 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 relevant New York State law are available in the office of the NYS University Police Department. 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 College judicial affairs disciplinary procedures where sanctions including expulsion are possible. In addition to trying to prevent and prosecuting hate/bias crimes, the NYS University Police Department assist in addressing bias-related activities that do not rise to the level of crime. These activities referred to as bias incidents and defined by the NYS University Police Department as acts of bigotry, harassment, or intimidation directed at a member of a group within the SUNY Morrisville community based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or individuals with disabilities may be addressed through the State University’s Discrimination Complaint Procedure or the College judicial system. Bias incidents can be reported to:

  • NYSUP, Brooks Hall - 315.684.6410
  • Affirmative Action Office, Brooks Hall 315 - 315.684.6829
  • Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Helyar Hall - 315.684.6070
  • Office of Student Affairs, Helyar Hall - 315.684.6981
  • Title IX Office, 315.684.6997

If you are a victim or witness to a hate/bias crime at the College, report it to the NYS University Police Department immediately by calling 911, by using a blue light phone or any available telephone, or stop by the University Police Office in Brooks Hall. The NYS University Police Department will investigate and follow the appropriate procedures. Victims of bias crime or bias incidents can avail themselves of counseling and support services from the College or receive information regarding resources available in the community, by calling the Student Health and Counseling Services Center at 315.684.6078. Information on security procedures and crime statistics is available by contacting the NYS University Police Department at 315.684.6410 or on their website.

Server name is dev.morrisville.edu