Bias and Hate Crime Information
NY Education Law Article 129-A requires all colleges and universities in New York State to have policies and procedures related to campus safety and security. Effective November 13, 2023, amendments to this law add a requirement for disclosing and counting incidents related to bias and hate crimes.
NYMC is committed to safeguarding the rights of its students, faculty, and staff and to provide an environment free of bias and prejudice.
What is a Hate Crime?
Under New York Law, criminal activity motivated by bias and hatred toward another person or group based upon a belief or perception concerning race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability, or sexual orientation is illegal and punishable not only for the underlying crime but, additionally, as a hate crime pursuant to the New York Penal Law § 485. New York Medical College’s definition of a hate crime matches New York Penal Law 485 (Section 485.05 Hate Crimes). Malicious behavior, writing on someone’s door, leaving hate-related phone messages, text messages, social media postings, or committing other crimes in conjunction with a bias-related slur are classic examples of the nature and common circumstances related to hate crimes committed on college campuses.
Procedures and Penalties
Victims or witnesses should report any bias-related and hate crime incidents directly to NYMC Office of Public Safety. Reported incidents of hate crimes and attempts to commit hate crimes will be referred to local law enforcement agencies for further investigation and legal action. Individuals may also report hate crimes directly to local law enforcement.
In addition, a victim or witness should file an internal complaint via NYMC-Compliance@nymc.edu or compliance@touro.edu, and the matter will be investigated pursuant to the Title IX, Sexual Misconduct, and/or Non-Discrimination Policies, as appropriate. These policies are available online as well as in the Annual Fire and Security Report (“ASR”), and the campus community will be advised via email when changes are made to these policies or when the ASR is released.
Penalties for committing bias-related and hate crimes may include disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. In addition, a person convicted of a hate crime will be subject to certain sentencing guidelines for felonies that impose a more severe penalty than similar crimes not motivated by bias and hatred.
Counseling Resources
The College offers counseling and other resources to assist students who have experienced or are experiencing bias-related or hate crime incidents, including through the Office of Student Mental Health and Wellness.
Hate Crimes Reported on Campus
No hate crimes were reported for the years 2021, 2022, or 2023.
