Hate and Bias-Related Incidents

"We confront and reject all manifestations of discrimination, including those based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs, status within or outside the university, or any of the other differences among people which have been excuses for misunderstanding, dissension or hatred. We recognize and cherish the richness contributed to our lives by our diversity. We take pride in our various achievements, and we celebrate our differences." -- Principles of Community

Definitions | Violations and Complaints | Procedure for Responding to Hate- and Bias-Related Incidents | Victim Support | Additional information regarding faculty, staff and student conduct

Definitions

The term "hate crime" is often used to cover a wide range of behaviors, from violent crimes to "bias-related incidents" to "hate speech," as well as acts of intolerance and incivility. Under law, however, hate crimes are narrowly defined to include only those acts that are crimes and that 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).

A bias-related incident, in contrast, is a non-criminal act motivated by bias against a specific target or group based on personal characteristics. Depending upon the circumstances, some bias-related incidents are "actionable," which means that if the individual or group responsible is identified, those harmed may seek a remedy through non-criminal processes such as discipline, fines or injunctions. Non-criminal processes include administrative complaints through the Office of Civil Rights or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, or suing for damages.

Violations and Complaints

Violations of Conduct Standards -- The university holds students, staff and faculty to high standards of conduct and can impose discipline for conduct violations whether or not the act is also a crime. Student discipline procedures authorize more severe sanctions if the violation is motivated by hate or bias and if the incident involves violence and/or injuries. Additionally, UC Davis students, staff or faculty may be disciplined for behavior that disrupts or obstructs university functions or activities.

Complaints of prohibited discrimination -- Acts of individuals may create a hostile environment, if pervasive and severe. Even if no crime or conduct violation has occurred, policies/practices having a discriminatory impact may be addressed through administrative processes. Federal and state law and University policy prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age; the University also prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, medical condition, or veteran or marital status.

Procedure for Responding to Hate- and Bias-Related Incidents

If you believe you have witnessed, or that you have been a target of, a hate- or bias-motivated incident on campus or while participating in a University-sponsored activity, you may bring the incident to the attention of the Associate Executive Vice Chancellor and other University Officials as indicated below:

Reporting Crimes and Emergencies

• For emergencies or crimes in progress, call 9-1-1 (except from a cell phone because 9-1-1 cell calls go ONLY to the Highway Patrol, so dial the police directly).
• Report suspected crimes on campus property to UC Davis Police, 752-1230.
• Report suspected off-campus crimes to city police (Davis City Police: 747-5400).

If you are unsure if you want to report...

• The police can confirm if what happened was a crime; if not, they can take an incident report and refer you to appropriate resources.
• Even anonymous/confidential reports can help prevent other incidents, enhance safety, give access to counseling/referrals and compile more complete data/statistics.
• Incidents may be reported confidentially (no names/criminal investigation) to Campus Violence Prevention Program (752-3299) to be included in crime statistics.

Coordinated Campus Response

Additional Resources

• The Office of Campus Community Relations (752-2071), with assistance from the Student Affairs Incident Management Council and the UC Davis Police, helps coordinate the campus response to the incident
• Campus Community Relations can serve as a clearinghouse for campus-wide response and records and tracks data on hate and bias-related incidents**
• The Student Affairs Incident Management Council* assesses incidents largely involving students, ensures support for victims, and facilitates communication

For Further Information

• Campus Community Relations, 752-2071
• UC Davis Police, 752-1230
• Campus Violence Prevention Program, 752-3299
• Student Judicial Affairs, 752-1128
• Cross-Cultural Center, 752-4287
• LGBT Resource Center, 752-2452
• Women's Resources and Research Center, 752-3372
• Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 752-2416

Victim Support

UC Davis is committed to providing effective response to incidents involving bias and hate; to coordinating investigation and victim support efforts; and to distributing timely and accurate information to responders, victims and the public.

Counseling

Counseling can help a victim cope with the effects of a hate- or bias-related incident whether or not she or he wants to report to the police.

• Counseling Center
• Campus Violence Prevention Program

Education and Information

Some programs that particularly focus on bias, stereotypes, prejudice and diversity education:

• Campus Violence Prevention Program
• Cross Cultural Center
• Student Judicial Affairs

Additional information regarding faculty, staff and student conduct

• Faculty Code of Conduct
• Human Resources Policies
• Student Code of Conduct