In response to what it says are growing concerns about acts of hate on college campuses, the Department of Education reminds schools they can share additional information about hate crimes.
In a July 29 Electronic Announcement , the Department said it is committed to tracking information about hate crimes and says schools may voluntarily provide additional information on hate crime sub-categories. This is in addition to what the Clery Act requires to be reported.
The sub-categories include:
- Race/Ethnicity/Ancestry
- Religion
- Sexual Orientation
- Disability
- Gender
- Gender Identity
The Department encourages institutions to voluntarily provide information to members of their campus communities, including students, employees, and other stakeholders. Institutions may use email, text messages, websites, social media, intranet portals, or any means that will increase awareness over time. Any administrative burden or cost associated with this voluntary disclosure would be minimal, according to the Department.
The Department discourages institutions from using the formal statistical grids that are used in the Annual Security Report or in the annual Campus Safety and Security information collection. Instead, institutions can use a format that clearly communicates the information.
Institutions may want to consider including crime prevention tips and information on available resources, including the FBIs Hate Crime Threat Response Guide.
