Advisory Committee and Bias Crimes

The Advisory Committee on Campus Safety provides, upon request, all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education. Once requested, St. Joseph's University will mail a hard copy within 10 days of the request and that information will include all of the statistics that the campus is required to ascertain under Title 20 of the U.S. Code Section 1092(1).

Campus Bias Crimes

In compliance with Section 6436 of the Education Law, St. Joseph's University adopts the following policies and procedures: All actions against persons or property that may be considered bias crimes are unequivocally prohibited at all times in any University-owned or operated property or at any University-sponsored activities. Bias crimes are defined as any form of unlawful harassment or other harmful behavior such as assault that is based on an individual's sex, race, national origin, disability, veteran status or on any individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

The penalties for committing such crimes include reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities so that an independent investigation can be conducted. The University will also undertake an investigation of the incident, in keeping with the guidelines published in the Student Handbook. The procedures for dealing with bias related crimes are the same as those outlined for grievances relating to allegations of sexual harassment and all other forms of unlawful harassment and discrimination. The Office of Counseling and Career Services will provide support services for victims of bias-related crime and will make appropriate referrals to outside agencies.

Bias-related crimes on university campuses occur when a lack of familiarity with people who are different, or who belong to groups that others are uncomfortable with, evolves into a hostile environment. In a university setting, many young people come together and encounter people of different cultures and backgrounds for the first time. Because the students bring biases and attitudes from their own past experiences, the possibility of bias-related crimes must be recognized and every effort must be made to provide opportunities for open and honest dialog and sharing.

The University provides information about security procedures through a brochure which is distributed to all incoming students and new employees, as well as frequent updates in campus newsletters and publications.