A “Bias Incident” is defined as an act – either verbal, written, physical, or psychological - that threatens or harms a person or group on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, atypical heredity or cellular blood trait, military service or veteran status, or other protected classes as required by law and that interferes with one’s educational opportunities or disrupts the living, learning, and/or working environment.

Hate crimes are unlawful acts committed with the intent to victimize an individual or group based on the actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity as defined by applicable laws.  Hate crimes are motivated by prejudice and include a definable crime, such as: threats of violence, property damage, personal injury, harassment, and/or other illegal conduct. The discrimination component is what elevates the unlawful act to a hate crime. Hate crimes are violations of the law and will be addressed accordingly.

• Learn more about identifying and understanding bias crime
• https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/249
• https://www.justice.gov/crt/hate-crime-laws

The University urges anyone who has witnessed or experienced a Bias Incident to report it to one of the following departments:

Individuals can also submit a report through the Crime Tip Line on the Stockton University Campus Police.

We want you to feel safe and supported so we encourage you to reach out to an office, faculty/staff member, or resource most comfortable for you. You can also speak privately with any of the University resources or reporting hubs listed above. However sometimes, it may be best to speak with a confidential resource who can provide guidance, direction, and support. To speak with someone confidentially you can reach out to licensed staff in the Wellness Center, such as Counseling Services and/or Health Services Medical Staff. Or speak with someone in the Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Center. (see below for contact information)

• Reporting a bias incident helps to ensure our community addresses issues that fail to support Stockton’s vision of a community of respect, openness, understanding, and civility.
• Reporting bias incidents also ensures that members of our community impacted by these incidents receive any necessary support and access to resources.
• Bias incidents cause pain and hurt for the targeted individuals, groups, and our community.
• Reports also provides the university with a record of current issues on campus and enables the institution to track patterns or trends and respond effectively.

• Reports of hate crimes are referred to the University Police Department for investigation, and may be referred to other offices as appropriate.
• Violations of the University Code of Conduct will be referred to the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (students) or the Office of Human Resources (employees) for consideration and resolution.
• Violations of the University Policy Prohibiting Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination or the Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace will be referred to the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity.
• If the reported incident does not meet the criteria of a bias incident or a bias act, the BRT will refer the incident to the Administrative Response Team for review and appropriate action.

Every attempt will be made to respect the privacy of reporting parties. However, if a crime has been committed or there is a risk to our community, the University has an obligation to report and respond appropriately.

Typically reports are only confidential if made to a “Confidential Resource” on campus which includes:

Confidential reports will not be acted upon (i.e. investigated, adjudicated, or resolved) without your permission. All parties involved in a bias incident are entitled to support services and resources regardless of their reporting.

Anonymous reports can be made online through the Campus Police Crime Tip Log. All other reports will be examined and privately shared with the appropriate department.

Confidential Resources

Non-Confidential / Private Resources

 Responsibilities of the Bias Response Team:

• To implement a response protocol;
• To identify prevention methods;
• To provide an annual review and assessment of the institutions, statistics, prevention, response and education practices
• To create and/or offer education primarily on bias incidents and bias crimes to supplement current programs addressing prohibited discrimination/harassment; and
• To collaborate with others on campus to offer programs to address patterns and trends in bias incident and bias crime prevention

Stockton University Bias Response Team:

Haley Baum  - Assistant Dean of Students, Atlantic City | Student Affairs |  609.626.6098

Thomas Chester  -   Director of Human Resources | Office of Human Resources  | J-115 609.652.4589

Amy L. Jones  -  Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities | Office of the Dean of Students | F-107 | 609.652.4691

Ro Latoracca - Clery Compliance Coordinator | Campus Police and Safety | Building 71 | 609.652.4390

Patricia Kelly - Associate Director of Residence Education | A-100 | 609.652.4590

Alan E. Zellner - Deputy Officer for Institutional Diversity and Equity Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity | L-214 | 609.652.4366

Pedro J. Santana - Dean of Students | Campus Center 243 | 609.652.4645

Craig A. Stambaugh - Associate Dean of Students | Campus Center 243 | 609.652.4717

Michael Rodriguez - Associate Professor of Political Science | H-243 | 609.652.4476

Jess Bonnan-White - Associate Professor of Criminal Justice | H-227 | 609.652.4453

Shedia Christopher - Assistant Director Student Development | CC-240 | 609.652.3190