Understanding Hate and Bias
Learn more about the differences between hate crimes and bias incidents and how to properly report them.
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Hate Crimes |
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Hate Crimes
Hate Crimes: Report to UC San Diego Police
Hate crimes are misdemeanor or felony violations of laws committed against persons or property because of race, religion, ethnic/ national origin, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or sexual orientation of the victim. Examples include:
- Verbal or written threats of violence because of a person's sexual orientation
- Anti-Semitic graffiti and other similar forms of property damage
- Physical assault because of a person's race
If you are in danger or a crime is in progress, call the UCSD Police immediately at (858) 534-4357.
Bias Incidents
Bias incidents: Report here
Bias incidents are acts of conduct, speech, or expression that target individuals and groups based on race, religion, ethnic/national origin, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
Unlike hate crimes, bias incidents are not criminal offenses. However, some bias incidents may violate University Nondiscrimination policies, the Student Conduct Code or other University policies; other acts of bias may be protected expressions of speech. Examples of bias incidents include:
- A public speaker who makes homophobic comments about members of the LGBT community
- Anti-Semitic flyers distributed on campus
- Sexist or racist jokes told in public
- Verbal insults directed toward a person of color
- Defaming e-mails sent to a student cultural organization
Because UCSD protects the free expression of ideas, not all bias incidents will violate University policy. The protection of freedom of expression, including controversial speech, and sometimes even offensive or hurtful words, is vital to a community of teachers and learners. Nevertheless, personal threats or other acts of misconduct violate university policies and those policies will be vigorously enforced.
You should report bias incidents so the University can determine if policies have been violated and support persons who feel victimized.
Why report a hate or bias incident?
Filing a report helps the University create a safe environment that supports the educational mission of the institution. In addition, unreported bias incidents can perpetuate continued bias and erode the campus climate.
Making a report calls attention to bias, reduces further incidents, and benefits the entire campus community.
What to include in your report
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Keep any evidence, including photographs, written notes, documents, and contact information for witnesses or other persons involved with the incident. File a report as soon as possible after the incident occurs to preserve the accuracy of information.
Note: A lack of "hard evidence" or significant time lapse since an incident occurred should not discourage you from filing a bias report but may limit what actions can be taken.
Who can report
Any member of the UC San Diego community can use this form to report bias incidents involving members of the UC San Diego community. Report hate crimes to UC San Diego Police.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you may omit your name and contact information on the form. However, anonymous reports can make follow-up more difficult or unsuccessful. For the community's greater good, you're encouraged to include your contact information.
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Questions? Contact OPHD, (858)534-8298. |
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