Bias Prevention & Response Team

Bias-related incidents include acts that are motivated by bias, but may not meet the necessary elements required to prove a crime.  

Hate crimes, also called bias crimes or bias-related crimes, are criminal activity motivated by the perpetrator’s bias against an individual victim or group based on perceived or actual personal characteristics, such as their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Hate/bias crimes, in particular, are addressed by the passage of the federal Hate/Bias Crime Reporting Act of 1990 and the New York State Hate Crimes Act of 2000 (Penal Law 485.05).

Recognizing historical barriers to reporting bias-related incidents, including fear of not being believed, fear of no action, and fear of retaliation, SUNY Oswego believes strongly in a culture of reporting and accountability. If you know of, have witnessed, or were the target of an incident motivated by age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation (perceived or confirmed), please fill out a Bias-Related Incident Report or contact a member of the Bias Prevention and Response Team. Reports may also be made directly to the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, 710 Culkin Hall, 315-312-4478, the Dean of Students, 501 Culkin Hall, 315-312-5483, University Police, Pathfinder Hall, 315-312-5555 or the Affirmative Action Officer, 315-312-2285.

All reports are reviewed promptly by the Bias Prevention Response Team to determine the level of urgency and identify an appropriate plan for follow-up. 

If the reporting individual has identified themself in the report and has indicated they are willing to be contacted, a member of the BPRT will reach out to them directly to offer support and to learn more about what occurred. If other individuals are listed in the report (i.e., witnessed, accused, etc.), they may also be contacted as part of the information-gathering process.

We understand why the individual reporting would want to know how the incident was resolved after they reported it. Federal privacy law, FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) prohibits anyone employed by the College from sharing any information about a specific student. If involved parties are campus employees, personnel actions are also confidential. The BPRT will, however, reach out to the reporting individual (if known and if they have indicated that they are willing to be contacted) and share all of the details legally allowed.

Individuals dissatisfied with the outcome of the process may file a complaint with one or more state and federal agencies. Our Interim Affirmative Action Officer can provide information about these agencies.

Statistics concerning campus bias-related and hate crimes are available from the University Police website. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and the Campus Crimes Statistics Act Information.