Hate Crimes

Massachusetts General Laws define a hate crime as 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, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or sexual orientation of another group or individual.

The HUPD is committed to protecting the state and federal civil rights of all individuals. The HUPD stands ready to assist any member of the Harvard community who experiences a bias-related incident. Any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes designed to infringe upon a person's civil rights will be treated seriously and given high priority. The HUPD will use every necessary resource to identify the perpetrators rapidly and decisively, and to arrest and prosecute them while at all times taking into consideration the victim's desire on how to proceed. Where harassment or hate crimes are found to have occurred, the HUPD will act to stop the harassment or criminal behavior, prevent its recurrence, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.  The HUPD will also refer individuals who feel that they are in need of emotional support to the appropriate resource.  

If you feel that you have been the victim of a hate crime or bias-related incident, please contact the HUPD immediately at 617-495-1212 to report the incident. If you do not want to report the incident to the HUPD directly, please contact a University official such as a dean, a human resource director, a residential or housing staff member, who can assist you.  Alternatively, community members can report criminal or suspicious activity anonymously, either by calling the twenty-four hour automated voice mail system at 617-496-2700, or by reporting online at http://www.hupd.harvard.edu/anonymous-reporting.

For additional resources, please view the mass.gov resources on hate crime.