Hate Crime Notice to BSC Campus

Dear Bridgewater State College Employees and Students,

I am writing, in the wake of the September 11th tragedy, to remind the campus community of our College's commitment to affirmative action, equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We should be aware of the increased risks of hate crimes targeting Arab and Islamic Americans and be prepared to respond appropriately. A hate crime is a crime in which the perpetrator's conduct is motivated, in whole or in part, by hatred, bias, or prejudice, based on the actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, political belief or affiliation, or veteran status of another group or individual. "Anti-Arab" bias is defined under Massachusetts law to constitute racial, ethnic, or national origin prejudice, while "anti-Islamic" bias constitutes religious bigotry under Massachusetts law.

The following suggestions will help build a campus free of discrimination and bigotry:

Learn as much as you can about hate crimes laws:

Report any hate-motivated activity, whether violence, threats, harassment or property damage, to the Office of Affirmative Action/Minority Affairs and /or Campus Police and encourage victims of hate crimes to contact the appropriate offices;

Know that the criminal justice system is obligated and bound to punish the perpetrators of hate crimes;

Help to create a campus that is open, safe and non-discriminatory by encouraging your friends and neighbors to stand against hate crimes.

Please contact my office at 508-531-1241 for information pertaining to any of these important issues.

Sincerely,

Alan V. Comedy
Assistant to the President
Affirmative Action / Minority Affairs and Equal Opportunity

Last Modified: November 9, 2007