Hate crime / incident policy

Saint Martin's University does not tolerate harmful or abusive words, actions, or behaviors from individuals or groups directed at other individuals or groups, motivated by hate.

By definition, a hate crime is motivated by prejudice against a person, group or property. Under the standard, the prejudicial comment or act would be considered a threat - real or perceived - by a reasonable person of the targeted group, based upon such characteristics as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or mental or physical disability. Under the definition, it involves those acts or words intended to intimidate and/or harm the victim or the class of people to which he or she belongs. Examples include intimidating comments or phone calls, hate mail or flyers, acts of vandalism, destruction of significant symbols, assault, and arson.

A hate incident is defined as one that does not fall into any criminal category according to U.S. law but which may include behaviors perceived as harmful and harassing words or actions motivated by prejudice against a person, group of people, or property. Examples of hate incidents include intolerant written, verbal, or physical gestures of communication that intimidate, demean, or humiliates another.