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Are bias-related incidents and/or hate crimes against the law or University policy?
Northwestern University Nondiscrimination Policy (Student Handbook, pages 26-27)
It is the policy of Northwestern University not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates in accordance with University commitment and civil rights legislation.
Hate Crime (Student Handbook, page 14)
Illinois law provides for criminal and civil penalties against an individual or individuals who assault, trespass upon, or cause damage to the property of or injure physically or emotionally another person or persons because of such person's race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin. Students involved in hate crime related incidents may fact legal and disciplinary actions.
Violations of University Rules and Regulations (Student Handbook, page 18)
Students may be subject to disciplinary action for . . . 1) physical abuse of
any person or any action that threatens or endangers the health or safety of
any person; 2) theft or damage to property
Computing and Telecommunications Equipment, Facilities, and Services (Student Handbook, pages 23-24)
The University provides several computing and telecommunications facilities for
students and faculty use. These include Information Technology, the University
Library, many departmental minicomputers and microcomputers, residence hall microcomputers,
and telephone instruments (voice and/or data transmission) in offices, residence
halls, and other building. Misuse of these facilities, services and equipment
is a violation of University rules and regulations and may also be a violation
of Illinois criminal statutes.
Civility, Mutual Respect, and
Unacceptability of Violence on Campus (Student Handbook, pages 22-23)
Individuals covered by these policies include
faculty, staff, and students, including
postdoctoral fellows and research and
academic staff.
- Policy. As members of the Northwestern
community, its faculty, staff, and
students are expected to deal with each
other with respect and consideration.
- Expected behavior. Each community
member is expected to treat other
community members with civility and
respect, recognizing that disagreement
and informed debate are valued in an
academic community.
- Unacceptable behavior. Demeaning, intimidating,
threatening, or violent behaviors
that affect the ability to learn,
work, or live in the University environment
depart from the standard for civility
and respect. These behaviors have
no place in the academic community.
- Violence. Violence is behavior that
causes harm to a person or damage to
property or causes fear for one’s safety or
the safety of others. Examples of violent
behavior include physical contact that
is harmful and expression of intent to
cause physical harm. Such behavior
is unacceptable in the Northwestern
community.
- Weapons. Weapons of any kind are prohibited
on campus except for those
carried by sworn police officers.
- Responsibility to act. A member of the
community who is involved in or witnesses
behavior on campus that poses
imminent danger should immediately
contact the University Police. In situations
that do not involve imminent
danger or for advice on the appropriate
course of action, a member of the community
is to notify a supervisor, department
head, or student affairs staff
member. Alternatively, the observer
may report the incident to the Office
of the Provost, the Department of
Human Resources, or the Office of the
Vice President for Student Affairs.
- Orders of protection. Community members
who have obtained restraining or
personal protection orders are encouraged
to provide a copy of the order to
University Police for enforcement on
campus.
- Visitors. Visitors, vendors, and the families
of members of the community are
expected to comply with the provisions
of this policy. Noncompliant behavior
leads to removal from the campus.
- Resources. Guidance for identifying
potential threatening or violent
behavior and for the best ways to deal
with incidents is at www.northwestern.edu/hr/policies.
- Violation. A community member who
has violated this policy is subject to
disciplinary action, which may include
separation of the offending party from
the University, consistent with established
disciplinary procedures.
What Happens After a Bias Incident or Hate Crime is Reported?
Insofar as possible, students and/or other members of the University community
who are the targets of or are affected by a bias incident or a hate crime will
be involved in determining the course of action. The following are examples of
what can be done.
- If the incident occurs in a residential hall or college and it is necessary
to temporarily relocate the student, a roommate or suitemates, the Director
of University Residential Life will work with the Director of University Housing
Administration and Food Service to determine the availability of guest rooms
and/or the availability of other residence hall space on campus.
- A letter or e-mail describing what happened will be sent to all students
or students living in a particular residence hall/college. The e-mail will
provide a summary of the incident and may ask for help in identifying the person(s)
responsible for the act. The names of the victims will not be disclosed without
their permission. The author of the message may be any of the following: the
President of the University, the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Chief
of University Police, the President of the Associated Student Government, the
president of the residence hall government, or the students who were affected
by the incident.
- If a suspect has been identified and University Police, in consultation
with the State’s Attorney’s Office, believe that the incident meets
the definition of a hate crime in Illinois, criminal charges will be considered.
In addition, a disciplinary complaint may be filed through the University Hearing
and Appeals System (UHAS) for any violation of University rules or regulations.
In UHAS, members of the campus community—including students—resolve
disciplinary matters through conciliation or hearings. For more information
about UHAS, contact the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs (847/491-8430)
or visit our website at http://www.northwestern.edu/handbook/.
- If the student(s) or student group agrees, Student Affairs staff and/or
other students will consider organizing a campus-wide forum or a residence
hall/college meeting to discuss the event(s). In addition, programs in residential
units and across campus may be scheduled to raise awareness and provide a number
of small group settings for students to discuss these kinds of incidents and/or
crimes.
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