Requires colleges and universities to provide students with written information on reporting bias related and hate crimes, requirements for reporting bias related and hate crimes, and protections available to those who report bias related and hate crimes.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A7876
SPONSOR: Novakhov TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring colleges and
universities to provide students with written information on reporting
bias related and hate crimes
SUMMARY:
This bill amends the Education Law to require colleges and universities
in New York State to provide students with written materials on how to
report bias-related and hate crimes. It also mandates that this informa-
tion be disseminated through various channels, such as flyers,
pamphlets, and the institution's website, and be made available at key
locations on campus. The goal is to increase awareness and ensure that
students know how and where to report bias-related incidents, while
providing clear information on the protections afforded to those who
report such crimes.
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF THE BILL:
Bias-related and hate crimes have a devastating impact on individuals
and communities, particularly in academic environments where students
should feel safe and respected. With rising awareness of such incidents
on college campuses, it is crucial that students, faculty, and staff
have the necessary tools and knowledge to address these harmful acts.
While many colleges and universities already provide resources for deal-
ing with these issues, this bill takes an additional step by ensuring
that all New York colleges and universities provide written information
to students regarding how to report bias-related and hate crimes.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
1. Section one updates Section 6436 of the Education Law to require that
each college or university provides incoming students with information
about bias-related and hate crime prevention. Existing programs such as
workshops, seminars, and discussions will continue, but with an added
emphasis on providing written materials that outline how to report these
crimes. This includes a requirement that Colleges and universities must
distribute written materials (e.g., flyers, pamphlets) that include:
* Clear instructions on how and where to report bias-related and hate
crimes.
* Information on state and federal requirements for reporting such
crimes.
* Protections available to individuals who report these incidents.
* The written materials must be easily accessible and should be avail-
able in a format that is accessible to all students, staff, and faculty.
2. Section two contains the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill responds to the growing concern about bias-related and hate
crimes on college campuses and the need for clear, accessible informa-
tion.to help prevent and address such incidents. It is essential that
students have confidence in the reporting process and understand the
resources available to them.
1. Increase Awareness of Reporting Mechanisms:
* Providing students with written, clear, and easily accessible informa-
tion will help reduce the barriers to reporting bias-related and hate
crimes. Many students may not be fully aware of the reporting channels
available to them or may feel intimidated by the process. Written mate-
rials make the reporting process more transparent and approachable.
2. Support for Victims:
* The bill ensures that victims of bias-related and hate crimes are
aware of the protections available to them, including confidentiality
and legal safeguards. This will encourage more individuals to come
forward without fear of retaliation, and ultimately create a more
supportive and safer campus environment.
3. Enhanced Campus Safety and Inclusion:
* By promoting the reporting of bias-related and hate crimes, this bill
aims to foster a culture of accountability on campuses. Institutions
will be better equipped to address incidents promptly, preventing
further harm and ensuring that all students can thrive in an environment
free from discrimination and violence.
4. Consistency with National Trends:
* Many institutions across the U.S. have begun to implement similar
measures to improve the reporting and handling of bias-related and hate
crimes. This bill ensures that New York State's colleges and universi-
ties are proactive in providing students with the tools they need to
protect themselves and their peers.
This bill will provide students with the necessary tools and knowledge
to report bias-related and hate crimes, thereby enhancing campus safety
and promoting inclusivity. By ensuring that clear, accessible informa-
tion is readily available, it encourages a proactive approach to
preventing and addressing discrimination and violence on college campus-
es across New York State. The implementation of this law will foster a
more informed, supportive, and safe environment for all students.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediate upon enactment.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
7876
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
April 11, 2025
___________
Introduced by M. of A. NOVAKHOV, BROOK-KRASNY, NORBER, CHANG -- read
once and referred to the Committee on Higher Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to requiring colleges and
universities to provide students with written information on reporting
bias related and hate crimes
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. Section 6436 of the education law, as amended by chapter
2 191 of the laws of 2023, is amended to read as follows:
3 § 6436. Bias related and hate crime prevention information. 1. Each
4 college shall inform incoming students about bias related and hate crime
5 prevention measures through programs which may include workshops, semi-
6 nars, discussion groups, and film presentations, in order to disseminate
7 information about bias related and hate crimes, promote discussion,
8 encourage reporting of incidents of bias related and hate crimes, and
9 facilitate prevention of such incidents. Such information shall include,
10 but not be limited to:
11 [1.] (a) the applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations on bias
12 related crime, including the provisions and coverage of the hate crimes
13 act of 2000 codified in article four hundred eighty-five of the penal
14 law;
15 [2.] (b) the penalties for commission of bias related and hate crimes;
16 [3.] (c) the procedures in effect at the college for dealing with bias
17 related and hate crimes;
18 [4.] (d) the availability of counseling and other support services for
19 the victims of bias related and hate crimes;
20 [5.] (e) the nature of and common circumstances relating to bias
21 related and hate crimes on college campuses; and
22 [6.] (f) the methods the college employs to advise and to update
23 students about security procedures.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11206-01-5
A. 7876 2
1 2. Each college shall provide written material, such as flyers,
2 pamphlets, or similar, containing clear information on how and where to
3 report bias related and hate crimes, information on state and federal
4 requirements for reporting bias related and hate crimes, and protections
5 available to those who report bias related and hate crimes. Such materi-
6 als shall be made available and easily accessible to students, faculty,
7 and staff during bias related and hate crime prevention programming
8 required by subdivision one of this section, digitally on the insti-
9 tution's website, and in other locations students may find information,
10 such as libraries, admissions offices, deans' suites, and other
11 locations the college may deem appropriate.
12 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
