NAME IT,
KNOW IT 

Responding to any campus bias crisis, whether it's a hate crime or a bias incident, requires a basic understanding of the criteria of hate crimes and bias incidents, as well as laws and campus rules. Lack of such information can make a messy situation even messier.

WHAT'S A HATE CRIME?

A hate crime must meet two criteria:

• A crime must happen, such as physical assault, intimidation, arson or vandalism;
• The crime must be motivated by bias.

The list of biases included in hate crime statutes varies. Most include race, ethnicity and religion. Some also include sexual orientation, gender and/or disability. In some cases, these statutes apply only to specific situations, such as housing discrimination.

Bias can be actual or perceived, as when an attack is directed at someone perceived to be gay.

Hate crimes, when prosecuted, typically carry enhanced penalties such as longer sentences.

As you respond to a hate crime, check specific statutes in your area, then consider working to add missing protected categories, such as for people who are gay, lesbian or transgendered.

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