For Victims of Hate Crimes

Hate Crimes & Other Bias-Related Incidents

What is a Hate Crime?

A Hate Crime is a criminal offence that manifests evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the perpetrator's bias against the victim. Although there are many possible categories of bias, under the Clery Act, only the following eight categories are reported. Bias toward these specific groups are defined below:

  • Race- A preformed negative attitude toward a group of persons who possess common physical characteristics, e.g. color of skin, eyes, and/or hair; facial features, etc., genetically transmitted by descent and heredity which distinguish them as a distinct division of humankind, e.g. Asians, Blacks or African Americans, Whites.
  • Religion- A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons who shares the same religions beliefs regarding the origin and purpose of the universe and the existence or nonexistence of a supreme being, e.g. Catholics, Jews, Protestants, Atheists.
  • Ethnicity- A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of person whose members identify with each other, through a common heritage, often consisting of a common language, common culture (often including a shared religion), and/or ideology that stresses common ancestry.
  • Sexual Orientation- A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
  • Gender- A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a person or group of persons based on their actual or perceived gender, e.g. male or female.
  • Gender Identity- A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a person or group of persons based on their actual or perceived gender identity, e.g. bias against transgender or gender non-conforming individuals.
  • National Origin- A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of people based on their actual or perceived county of birth.
  • Disability- A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons based on their physical or mental impairments, where such a disability is temporary or permanent, congenital or acquired by heredity, accident, injury, advanced age, or illness. 

For the purposes of reporting under the Clery Act, Hate Crimes include any of the following offenses that are motivated by bias: Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter, Sexual Assault, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft, Arson, Larceny-Theft, Destruction, Damage or Vandalism of Property, Intimidation, and Simple Assault. 

Bias-related incidents may not meet the definition of a Hate Crime above but may violate other University of Arizona policies. If you have questions, please reach out to contacts listed in the Disciplinary/Grievance Complaints section below.  

The University of Arizona's Nondiscrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy

The University of Arizona is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination. In support of this commitment, the University prohibits discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, based on a protected classification, including race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin (including shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics), age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. The University encourages anyone who believes they have been the subject of discrimination to report the matter immediately using the resources below. All members of the University community are responsible for participating in creating a campus environment free from all forms of prohibited discrimination and for cooperating with University officials who investigate allegations of policy violations.

Read the Full Nondiscrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy

Reporting Options

There are multiple options if an individual needs information or assistance or wants to report discrimination, harassment, or bias-related criminal incidents. If you are in danger or witnessing a crime in progress, dial 9-1-1.

 

 

Disciplinary/Grievance Complaints

Disciplinary/grievance procedures are in place for students and employees. 


Report to the Office of Institutional Equity

To make a complaint against an employee or student for discrimination or harassment, contact:


Report to the Dean of Students Office

To make a complaint against a student for all other conduct which violates the Student Code of Conduct:


Report to the division of Human Resources

To make a complaint against an employee for violation(s) of employee conduct codes:


Victims' Rights & Options

Experiencing victimization can be traumatic. Victims may feel isolated and confused, and may not know where to turn for support and information. The University of Arizona offers resources to students and employees impacted by discrimination, harassment, or bias-related incidents. Available support and referrals can be enacted quickly, before or without a complaint being filed, and will be confidential to the extent allowable under law and policy. 

Victims of Hate Crimes involving sex discrimination and sex-based harassment are also encouraged to view our resource page for victims of sexual assault. 

Victims' Rights & Options Brochure

To request supportive measures and accommodations university students and employees can contact:

 

Assistance Resources

The university offers a range of resources to students and employees impacted by discrimination, harassment, and hate crimes. 

Student Assistance

Counseling, Health & Mental Health

Tucson/Arizona 

National 

Legal Assistance

Safe Transportation

Student Financial Aid

Requesting Legal Protective Orders or Administrative No Contact Orders

Legal Protective Orders

Legal Orders (Orders of Protection and Injunctions Against Harassment) in Arizona can be initiated at azpoint.azcourts.gov. This website also provides information on process steps, information on courts throughout Arizona, and on community-based advocates. 

Tribal Protective Orders may be available through courts which administer the justice systems of Native Nations/tribal nations. Each tribal court may follow a specific process; individuals seeking tribal protective orders should contact the tribal court directly. A list of tribal courts by state is available at tribal-institute.org/lists/justice.htm 

Administrative No Contact Orders

No Contact Orders are university administrative orders that are generally non-disciplinary and mutually binding. The orders are issued to students and may be issued in all instances where the university may exert disciplinary authority. 

To request a No Contact Order to prevent, address, or remediate discrimination or harassment, including sex-based harassment, sexual assault, sex-based domestic violence, dating violence, and sex-based stalking, contact:

To request a No Contact Order in all other circumstances contact: