Bias Crimes, Harassment, Hate Crimes, and Sexual Harassment Prevention

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 C-GCC  follows specific guidelines with handling the following issues:

  • Bias Crimes
  • Harassment
  • Hate Crimes
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Dating Violence
  • Domestic Violence
  • Stalking
  • Sexual Assault

Bias Crimes

It is a State University of New York at Columbia-Greene Community College mandate to protect all members of the College community by preventing and prosecuting bias or hate crimes that occur within the campus.

Hate crimes, also called bias crimes or bias-related crimes, are criminal activity motivated by the perpetrator’s bias or attitude against an individual victim or group based on perceived or actual personal characteristics, such as race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Hate/bias crimes have received renewed attention in recent years, particularly since the passage of the Federal Hate/Bias Crime Reporting Act of 1990 and the New York State Hate Crimes Act of 2000 (Penal Law Article 485). Copies of the New York law are available from the Dean of Students’ Office and the Office of Human Resources.

Penalties for bias-related crimes are very serious and range from fines to imprisonment for lengthy periods, depending on the nature of the underlying criminal offense, the use of violence or previous convictions of the offender. Perpetrators who are students also will be subject to campus disciplinary procedures where sanctions including dismissal are possible.

In addition to preventing and prosecuting hate/ bias crimes, Columbia-Greene Community College Security also assists in addressing bias-related activities that do not rise to the level of a crime. These activities, referred to as bias incidents and defined by the College as acts of bigotry, harassment, or intimidation directed at a member or group within the College community based on national origin, ethnicity, race, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, color, creed, or marital status, may be addressed through the State University’s Discrimination Complaint Procedure or the Campus Conduct Code. Bias incidents can be reported to Security as well as to the Dean of Students.

Any student who is a victim of, or witness to, a hate/bias crime on campus, must report the incident to a Security Officer or Dean of Students.   The Office of Safety and Security and the Dean of Students will investigate and follow the appropriate adjudication procedures. Victims of bias crime or bias incidents can access counseling and support services from the campus as follows: REACH Center Campus Advocate; Advising, Career and Transfer Services; Dean of Students; Health Services; and Accessibility Services Offices.

For general information about Columbia-Greene Community College security procedures, see page 32 of the Student Handbook, or call 518-697-6170. More information about bias-related and bias crimes, including up-to-date statistics on bias crimes, is available from the Dean of Students’ Office.

Harassment

The Columbia-Greene community depends on trust and civility.  A willingness to recognize the dignity and worth of each person at the College is essential to the institution’s mission. The College celebrates diversity and welcomes students from many different backgrounds including different races, religions, and ethnic ancestry.

Learning to understand the differences among the community members, as well as the similarities, is an important dimension of education, one that continues for a lifetime. Tolerance alone, however, is not enough. Respect and understanding are essential, and everyone should delight in the differences, and should seek to appreciate the richness and personal growth that diversity provides for members of the community. It is, therefore, the intention of Columbia-Greene Community College to provide equal opportunity to qualified individuals in the operation of its program, in work and academic environments that are conducive to the achievement of work and academic goals, and free of any implicit or explicit forms of harassment. For the purposes of this policy, the term harassment refers to any behavior - verbal, physical, or electronic - that attacks, demeans, or offends individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, ethnic or national origin, age, pregnancy, veteran status, disability, religion, or sexual orientation or gender identity and that:

  • Involves a stated or implicit threat to the victim’s academic or employment status.
  • Has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance; and/or creates an intimidating or offensive academic or work environment.

The College regards such behavior, whether verbal, physical, or electronic, as a violation of the standards of conduct required of all individuals associated with the institution. The prohibition against harassment applies to all interactions on the College campus, in College facilities or within the context of College-related activities.  Members of the College community are expected to demonstrate a basic generosity of spirit that precludes expressions of bigotry. Accordingly, those inflicting such behavior on others are subject to the full range of the College’s disciplinary actions, including separation from the institution.

Not every act that might be offensive to an individual or a group necessarily will be considered as harassment and/or a violation of the College’s standards of conduct. In determining whether an act constitutes harassment, the totality of the circumstances that pertain to any incident in its context must be carefully reviewed and due consideration must be given to the protection of individual rights, freedom of speech, academic freedom, and advocacy. Essential components of offenses include intent to hurt or harass, direct address to the people involved, and expression in words, pictures or symbols commonly understood to convey hatred or contempt for the people in question. To expedite the investigation and resolution of complaints, should they arise, the College has developed both informal and formal mechanisms for mediation, resolution, and adjudication. Those individuals who honestly believe they have been a victim of harassment should contact the College Affirmative Action Officer to obtain a copy of the Harassment Complaint Procedure.

Hate Crimes

Section 485.00 Legislative Findings of NYS Hate Crimes Act of 2000

The legislature finds and determines as follows: criminal acts involving violence, intimidation and destruction of property based upon bias and prejudice have become more prevalent in New York State in recent years. The intolerable truth is that in these crimes, commonly and justly referred to as “hate crimes”, victims are intentionally selected, in whole or in part, because of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation. Hate crimes do more than threaten the safety and welfare of all citizens. They inflict on victims incalculable physical and emotional damage and tear at the very fabric of free society.

Crimes motivated by invidious hatred toward particular groups not only harm individual victims but send a powerful message of intolerance and discrimination to all members of the group to which the victim belongs. Hate crimes can and do intimidate and disrupt entire communities and vitiate the civility that is essential to healthy democratic processes.

In a democratic society, citizens cannot be required to approve of the beliefs and practices of others, but must never commit criminal acts on account of them. Current law does not adequately recognize the harm to public order and individual safety that hate crimes cause. Therefore, laws must be strengthened to provide clear recognition of the gravity of hate crimes and the compelling importance of preventing their recurrence.

Accordingly, the legislature finds and declares that hate crimes should be prosecuted and punished with appropriate severity.

Section A7 485.05 Hate Crimes

  1. A hate crime occurs when an individual commits a specified offense and either:
    1. intentionally selects the person against whom the offense is committed or intended to be committed in whole or in substantial part because of a belief or perception regarding the race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation of a person, regardless of whether the belief or perception is correct; or
    2. intentionally commits the act or acts constituting the offense in whole or in substantial part because of a belief or perception regarding the race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation of a person, regardless of whether the belief or perception is correct.
  2. Proof of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation of the defendant, the victim, or of both the defendant and the victim does not, by itself, constitute legally sufficient evidence satisfying the people’s burden under paragraph (a) or (b) of subdivision one of this section.

A “specified offense” is an offense defined by any of the following provisions of this chapter: section 120.00 (assault in the third degree); section 120.05 (assault in the second degree); section 120.10 (assault in the first degree); section 120.12 (aggravated assault upon a person less than eleven years old); section 120.13 (menacing in the first degree); section 120.14 (menacing in the second degree); section 120.15 (menacing in the third degree); section 120.20 (reckless endangerment in the second degree); section 120.25 (reckless endangerment in the first degree); subdivision one of section 125.15 (manslaughter in the second degree); subdivision one, two or four of section 125.20 (manslaughter in the first degree); section 125.25 (murder in the second degree); section 120.45 (stalking in the fourth degree); section 120.50 (stalking in the third degree); section 120.55 (stalking in the second degree); section 120.60 (stalking in the first degree); subdivision one of section 130.35 (rape in the first degree); subdivision one of section 130.50 (sodomy in the first degree); subdivision one of section 130.65 (sexual abuse in the first degree); paragraph (a) of subdivision one of section 130.67 (aggravated sexual abuse in the second degree); paragraph (a) of subdivision one of section 130.70 (aggravated sexual abuse in the first degree); section 135.05 (unlawful imprisonment in the second degree); section 135.10 (unlawful imprisonment in the first degree); section 135.20 (kidnapping in the second degree); section 135.25 kidnapping in the first degree); section 135.60 (coercion in the second degree); section 135.65 (coercion in the first degree); section 140.10 (criminal trespass in the third degree); section 140.15 (criminal trespass in the second degree); section 140.17 (criminal trespass in the first degree); section 140.20 (burglary in the third degree); section 140.25 (burglary in the second degree); section 140.30 (burglary in the first degree); section 145.00 (criminal mischief in the fourth degree);section 145.05 (criminal mischief in the third degree); section 145.10 (criminal mischief in the second degree); section 145.12 (criminal mischief in the first degree); section 150.05 (arson in the fourth degree); section 150.10 (arson in the third degree); section 150.15 (arson in the second degree); section 150.20 (arson in the first degree); section 155.25 (petit larceny); section 155.30 (grand larceny in the fourth degree); section 155.35 (grand larceny in the third degree); section 155.40 (grand larceny in the second degree); section 155.42 (grand larceny in the first degree); section 160.05 (robbery in the third degree); section 160.10 (robbery in the second degree); section 160.15 (robbery in the first degree); section 240.25 (harassment in the first degree); subdivision one, two or four of section 240.30 (aggravated harassment in the second degree); or any attempt or conspiracy to commit any of the foregoing offenses.

For purposes of this section:

  1. the term “age” means 60 years old or more;
  2. the term “disability” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.

Section A7 485.10 Sentencing

  1. When a person is convicted of a hate crime pursuant to this article, and the specified offense is a violent felony offense, as defined in section 70.02 of this chapter, the hate crime shall be deemed a violent felony offense.
  2. When a person is convicted of a hate crime pursuant to this article and the specified offense is a misdemeanor or a class C, D or E felony, the hate crime shall be deemed to be one category higher than the specified offense the defendant committed, or one category higher than offense level applicable to the defendant’s conviction for an attempt or conspiracy to commit a specified offense, whichever is applicable.
  3. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, when a person is convicted of a hate crime pursuant to this article and the specified offense is a class B felony:
    1. the maximum term of the indeterminate sentence must be at least six years if the defendant is sentenced pursuant to section 70.00 of this chapter;
    2. the term of the determinate sentence must be at least eight years if the defendant is sentenced pursuant to section 70.02 of this chapter;
    3. the term of the determinate sentence must be at least twelve years if the defendant is sentenced pursuant to section 70.04 of this chapter;
    4. the maximum term of the indeterminate sentence must be at least four years if the defendant is sentenced pursuant to section 70.05 of this chapter; and
    5. the maximum term of the indeterminate sentence or the term of the determinate sentence must be at least ten years if the defendant is sentenced pursuant to section 70.06 of this chapter.
  4. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, when a person is convicted of a hate crime pursuant to this article and the specified offense is a class A-1 felony, the minimum period of the indeterminate sentence shall be not less than twenty years.

    Section A7 3. Subdivision 3 of Section 240.30 of the Penal Law, as Amended by Chapter 345 of the Laws of 1992, is amended to read as follows:

    Strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise subjects another person to physical contact, or attempts or threatens to do the same because of [the] a belief or perception regarding such person’s race, color, [religion or] national origin [of such person], ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation, regardless of whether the belief or perception is correct; or

    Section 240.31 of the Penal Law, as Amended by Chapter 958 of the Laws of 1983, is amended to read as follows:

    A person is guilty of aggravated harassment in the first degree when with intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm another person, because of [the] a belief or perception regarding such person’s race, color, [religion or] national origin [of such person], ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation, regard less of whether the belief or perception is correct, he or she:

    Section 240.00 of the Penal Law is amended by adding two new subdivisions 5 and 6 to read as follows:
    1. “Age” means 60 years old or more.
    2. “Disability” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.

      Subdivisions 4 and 7 of Section 200.50 of the Criminal Procedure Law, Subdivision 4 as Amended by Chapter 467 of the laws of 1974 and Subdivision 7 as Amended by Chapter 481 of the laws of 1978, are amended to read as follows:

      A statement in each count that the grand jury, or, where the accusatory instrument is a superior court information, the district attorney, accuses the defendant or defendants of a designated offense, provided that in any prosecution under article four hundred eighty-five of the penal law, the designated offense shall be the specified offense, as defined in subdivision three of section 485.05 of the penal law, followed by the phrase “as a hate crime”; and

      A plain and conITe factual statement in each count which, without allegations of an evidentiary nature, (a) asserts facts supporting every element of the offense charged and the defendant’s or defendants’ commission thereof with sufficient preITion to clearly apprise the defendant or defendants of the conduct which is the subject of the accusation; and (b) in the case of any armed felony, as defined in subdivision forty-one of section 1.20, states that such offense is an armed felony and specifies the particular implement the defendant or defendants possessed, were armed with, used or displayed or, in the case of an implement displayed, specifies what the implement appeared to be; and (c) in the case of any hate crime, as defined in section 485.05 of the penal law, specifies, as applicable, that the defendant or defendants intentionally selected the person against whom the offense was committed or intended to be committed; or intentionally committed the act or acts constituting the offense, in whole or in substantial part because of a belief or perception regarding the race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation of a person; and in cooperation with the chief administrator of the courts as well is any other public or private agency, including law enforcement agencies, collect and analyze statistical and all other information and data with respect to the number of hate crimes reported to or investigated by the division of state police, and all other police or peace officers, the number of persons arrested for the commission of such crimes, the offense for which the person was arrested, the county within which the arrest was made and the accusatory instrument filed, the disposition of the accusatory instrument filed, including, but not limited to, as the case may be, dismissal, acquittal, the offense to which the defendant pled guilty, the offense the defendant was convicted of after trial, and the sentence imposed. The division shall include the statistics and other information required by this subdivision in the annual report submitted to the governor and legislature pursuant to subdivision twelve of this section.

Sexual Harassment/Violent and Non-Violent

Sexual harassment is against the law and violates the non-discriminatory policy of Columbia-Greene Community College. Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Federal law including Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Action of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Sexual Harassment is also a violation of New York State’s Human Rights Law. Sexual harassment, like harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, pregnancy, or veteran status, will not be condoned by the College, whether occurring   in an educational program or at the workplace.

Contact person:
Melissa Fandozzi, Director of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator
Phone: (518) 697-6337

What is Non-Violent and Violent Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is any repeated and/or unwelcome verbal or physical sexual advance, requests for sexual favors, sexually explicit derogatory remarks, and sexually discriminatory remarks that are offensive or objectionable to the person at whom they are directed or that cause a person discomfort or humiliation. Sexual harassment in an academic environment may involve the use of authority to emphasize the sexuality of a student in a manner that prevents a student from achieving full benefit from educational opportunities.

 Sexual Harassment may include:

  • Verbal harassment or abuse
  • Subtle pressure for sexual activities
  • Touching, patting, or pinching
  • Leering at a person’s body
  • Constant brushing against a person’s body
  • Demands for sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning one’s job performance, evaluation, promotion, or course grades
  • Physical assault

What Happens When One Complains About Sexual Harassment?

All complaints will be investigated.  A complaint will be kept confidential, to the extent possible. Whether complaining directly to the AAO or Dean of Students, or to someone else, the complaint will remain private, unless otherwise specified.  The complaint will be referred to the AAO or Dean of Students, if so desired.  The AAO or Dean of Students will hear the complaint and attempt to solve the problem informally. If the informal resolution fails, file a formal grievance under the procedure referred to below.

Individuals who want to protect their identity should speak with a trusted colleague who will report to the AAO or Dean of Students that a complaint has been made. A complaint will not be written down by the AAO or Dean of Students unless the complainant speaks to either of them. When it is written down, the complaint should be shared with the respondent. Remember, telling someone about the problem does not necessitate filing a grievance. Sharing the experience is the first step in the process.  The individual must decide if the complaint should be pursued further. Filing a grievance is serious business, and any charge should be made responsibly.

Grievance Procedure:

  1. A statement describing the alleged offense of sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking must be submitted in writing within six months following the alleged offense or knowledge of the alleged offense, if that day is later.
  2. The AAO or Dean of Students will seek to resolve the complaint informally. If a resolution satisfactory to both complainant and respondent is reached within 21 working days, the officer will close the case, sending a written notice to that effect to the complainant and respondent (if appropriate).
  3. If the Dean of Students is unable to resolve the complaint satisfactorily to both parties, the complainant has the right to proceed to the next formal step internally or to file with appropriate enforcement agencies (Division of Human Rights of New York State or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Washington, DC) immediately.
  4. If the complainant chooses the internal grievance procedure, the complainant will notify the AAO or Dean of Students in writing within 10 working days that the issue cannot be resolved informally.

Sexual Assault

The State University of New York has programs in place to protect all members of the College community from sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, including programs for prevention and prosecution of these crimes that occur within the jurisdiction of SUNY at Columbia-Greene Community College.

NYS Law contains the following legal provisions defining the crimes related to sexual assault:

Section 130.05 – Sex Offenses: Lack of Consent

Lack of consent, along with forcible compulsion, includes circumstances when the victim clearly expressed they did not consent to the act of intercourse or by means of age, mental disability, mental incapacitation or being physically helpless and a reasonable person in the defendant’s situation would have understood the victim’s words, actions or condition.

Section 130.20 – Sexual Misconduct

This offense includes sexual intercourse without consent and deviate sexual intercourse without consent. The penalty for violation of this section includes imprisonment for a definite period to be fixed by the court up to one year.

Section 130.25/.30/.35 – Rape

This series of offenses includes sexual intercourse with a person incapable of consent because of the use of forcible compulsion or because the person is incapable of consent due to a mental defect, mental incapacity, or physical helplessness. This series of offenses further includes sexual intercourse with a person under the age of consent. The penalties for violation of these sections range from imprisonment for a period not to exceed four years up to imprisonment for a period not to exceed 25 years.

Section 130.40/.45/.50 – Criminal Sexual Act

This series of offenses includes oral or anal sexual conduct with a person incapable of consent because of the use of forcible compulsion or because the person is incapable of consent due to a mental defect, mental incapacity, or physical helplessness. This series of offenses further includes oral or anal sexual conduct with a person under the age of consent. The penalties for violation of these sections range from imprisonment for a period not to exceed four years up to imprisonment for a period not to exceed 25 years.

Section 130.55/.60/.65 – Sexual Abuse

This series of offenses includes sexual contact with a person by forcible compulsion, or with a person who is incapable of consent due to physical helplessness, or due to the person being under the age of consent. The penalties for violation of these sections range from imprisonment for a period not to exceed three months up to imprisonment for a period not to exceed seven years.

Section 130.65-a/.66/.67/.70 – Aggravated Sexual Abuse

This series of offenses occurs when a person inserts a finger or a foreign object in the vagina, urethra, penis or rectum of another person by forcible compulsion, when the other person is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless, or when the other person is under the age of consent. The level of this offense is enhanced if the insertion of a finger or foreign object causes injury to the other person. The penalties for violation of these sections range from imprisonment for a period not to exceed seven years up to imprisonment for a period not to exceed 25 years.

Anyone sexually or otherwise assaulted on campus should:

  • Get to a safe place as soon as possible. 
  • Try to preserve all physical evidence; do not bathe, douche, or change clothes.  Preserve evidence for proof of criminal domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or in obtaining a protection order.
  • Contact Security immediately (call 911 in an emergency or use a campus emergency phone).

Remember, assaults – sexual or otherwise – are crimes; they are not the victims’ fault. Victims have the right to pursue adjudication of crimes that occur at Columbia-Greene Community College through criminal courts and/or through the college’s internal disciplinary process (under the Campus Code of Conduct).  The College Security Director is trained to assist with prosecution in both systems.

Stalking

The term “stalking” means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to

  1. fear for individual safety or the safety of others; or
  2. suffer substantial emotional distress.

Domestic Violence

The term “domestic violence” includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.

Dating Violence

The term “dating violence” means violence committed by a person

  • who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim;
    and
  • where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of   three factors: the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

Retaliation

Retaliation is prohibited against anyone who exerITes rights under the Clery Act and Title IX. 

Contact person:
Melissa Fandozzi, Director of Human Resources, and Title IX Coordinator
Phone: (518) 697-6337

Disciplinary Action

Where probable cause exists to believe the College’s regulations prohibiting sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking have been violated, the College will pursue strong disciplinary action through its own channels. This discipline includes the possibility of suspension or dismissal from the College.

An individual charged with sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking will be subject to College disciplinary procedures, whether or not prosecution under New York State Criminal Statutes is pending.

The College will make every effort to be responsive and sensitive to the victims of these serious crimes. Protection of the victim and prevention of continued trauma is the College’s priority.

When the victim and the accused attend the same class, an immediate hearing with the Dean of Students will occur to determine the need for modifying the class arrangements. Assistance for any other personal or academic concerns will be reviewed and options provided.

During the disciplinary process, the victim’s rights are:

  • To have a person or persons of the victim’s choice accompany the victim throughout the disciplinary hearing.
  • To remain present during the entire proceeding.
  • As established in state criminal codes, to be assured that irrelevant past sexual history will not be discussed during the hearing.
  • To make a “victim impact statement” and accused is found in violation of the code.
  • To be informed immediately of the outcome of the hearing.
  • During the disciplinary process, the rights of the “accused” are as described under the due process procedure of the College judicial system.

Information and Support

Any victim of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking may seek support services as well as the assistance described above from the REACH Center College Advocate.

Educational Programs

Educational programs to promote awareness and prevention of rape, acquaintance rape, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking are presented to the campus community, including victims and bystanders. Student Services staff provide programs throughout the year that include primary prevention and awareness programs for all incoming students.

Contact person:
Melissa Fandozzi, Director of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator
Phone: (518) 697-6337

What To Do If Sexually Assaulted

Get to a safe place and call a supportive friend and/or The REACH Center at (518) 828-5556.

  • In order to best preserve evidence, victims should avoid showering, washing, combing hair, drinking, eating, or doing anything to alter physical appearance until after a physical exam has been completed. Don’t wash, douche, gargle, or change clothes before going to the hospital or police.
  • Victims have the right to notify law enforcement, and the campus can assist in notifying law enforcement if victims choose.  Victims may also choose to decline to notify authorities. 
  •  Go to a hospital for treatment of external and internal injuries, tests for AIDS and pregnancy, and gathering medical evidence. A rape crisis counselor is on call 24 hours at 518-828-5556 and will be on hand in the emergency room.  Bring a complete change of clothing including shoes. The hospital does not release medical evidence to the police without written consent.
  • The REACH Center does not report the crime to the police. Reporting is the victim’s choice.
  • A victim deciding not to go to the police immediately must write down all the details of the assault and save them for possible use in the future. 
  • Columbia-Greene Community College will provide written notification to victims about options available for and assistance in, changing academic, living, transportation, and working situations if requested by the victim and if reasonably available, regardless of whether the victim chooses to report the crime to campus police or local law enforcement.

Reporting Agencies

Campus Security: Extension 6170

Greenport Police: 518-828-6121 / Catskill Police: 518-943-2244

Columbia County Sheriff: 518-828-3344 / Greene County Sheriff: 518-943-3300

New York State Police:
Troop K – Livingston, NY – 518-851-3111
Troop F – Catskill, NY – 518-622-8600                                   

State Police 24-hour hotline to report sexual assault on a NY college campus: 1-844-845-7269.

Confidential Assistance and Referral

Dean of Students: Extension 6321

Director of Human Resources: Extension 6337

Advising, Career, and Transfer Office: Extension 6395

REACH Center – Off Campus                                                            

  • Hudson: (518) 828-5556                      
  • Catskill: (518) 943-4482

Supported Education – Off Campus: (518) 828-4619

Albany County Mental Health Center: (518) 447-4555

Columbia County Mental Health Center: (518) 828-9446

Greene County Mental Health Services: (518) 622-9163

Mental Health Association in Ulster County

  • Lake Katrine: (845) 336-4747          
  • Kingston: (845) 339-9090          

Mental Health America of Dutchess County: (845) 473-2500

Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties: (518) 828-4619 (Hudson)

NYS AIDS hotline: (800) 541-2437

Hospitals

  • Columbia Memorial Hospital: (518) 828-7601
  • Kingston Hospital (HealthAlliance):  (845) 338-2500
  • Northern Dutchess Hospital: (845) 876-3001
  • Vassar Brothers Medical Center: (845) 454-8500
  • MidHudson Regional Hospital: (845) 483-5000
  • Albany Medical Center: (518) 262-3125
  • St. Peter’s Hospital: (518) 525-1550

Policy Statement on Sexual Misconduct

SUNY Columbia-Greene Community College is committed to creating and maintaining an educational environment free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct.  Any act involving sexual harassment, violence, coercion, and intimidation will not be tolerated.  Specifically, SUNY strictly prohibits the offenses of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  These acts have a real impact on the lives of victims/survivors.  They not only violate a person’s feelings of trust and safety, but they can also substantially interfere with a student’s education.  It is the policy of SUNY Columbia-Greene Community College that, upon learning that an act of sexual misconduct has taken place, immediate action will be taken to address the situation and punish the perpetrator.  This includes working with State and local law enforcement to bring possible criminal charges, seeking disciplinary action through the college, and enforcing mandatory transcript notifications so other institutions are on notice of the offense committed.

SUNY Columbia-Greene Community College encourages the reporting of sexual misconduct that is prompt and accurate.  This allows the College community to quickly respond to allegations and offer immediate support to the victim/survivor.  SUNY Columbia-Greene Community College is committed to protecting the confidentiality of victims/survivors and will work closely with students who wish to obtain confidential assistance regarding an incident of sexual misconduct.  All allegations will be investigated promptly and thoroughly, and both the victim/survivor and the accused will be afforded equitable rights during the investigative process.

It is the collective responsibility of all members of the SUNY Columbia-Greene Community College community to foster a safe and secure campus environment.  In an effort to promote this environment and prevent acts of sexual misconduct from occurring, the College engages in ongoing prevention and awareness education programs.  All incoming students [and employees] are required to participate in these programs, and all members of the College community are encouraged to participate throughout the year in ongoing campaigns and trainings focused on the prevention of sexual misconduct on campus.

Who:  This policy applies to all members of the SUNY Columbia-Greene Community College community, including students, faculty, staff, visitors, independent contractors, and other third parties who are on campus and involved in an incident of sexual misconduct (this can be someone who witnessed an incident or who wishes to report an incident on behalf of another).  The policy applies to these parties regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

What:  This policy prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct.  This broad term includes, but is not limited to, acts of sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual coercion, sexual threats or intimidation, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and cyber-stalking.  Please refer to the Definitions section for a complete list of terms as well as the Sexual Assault section of this Student Handbook.

Where:  This policy covers conduct that takes place on the College campus.  This includes any building or property owned or controlled by SUNY Columbia-Greene Community College and used in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the school’s educational purposes, including dining halls, and public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus. This also includes any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the College and any building or property not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the College that supports or relates to the institution’s educational purposes and is frequently used by students. This policy also covers conduct that takes place off-campus that may have a nexus to the College community.

Programs:  This policy covers all educational, extracurricular, athletic, or other campus programs.

Activities:  This policy covers all campus and school-related activities, including, but not limited to, student organizations (academic, multicultural, religious, service, social and support, sports and recreational), community organizations with student and/or faculty/staff participation, and all other educational or extracurricular events hosted by or at the college.

Relationships:  This policy covers sexual misconduct occurring between individuals in various types of relationships.  These include, but are not limited to, student to student, staff to staff, faculty member to faculty member, visitor/contracted employee to faculty/staff, faculty member to student, staff to student, supervisor to subordinate, and coach to student athlete.  Sexual misconduct may be acts committed by an individual or collective actions committed by members of a group or organization.  These acts may be committed against an individual or against a group or organization.  These acts may be committed by a stranger, an acquaintance, or someone with whom the victim/survivor has a social, romantic, or intimate relationship with.  These acts may be committed by or against any individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Confidentiality:  The College is committed to maintaining the privacy of all individuals involved in a report of sexual misconduct.  The College will maintain as confidential any accommodations or protective measures provided to the victims/survivors so long as it does not impair the ability to provide such measures.  Personally identifiable information about victims/survivors will not be included in any publicly available record-keeping, including the reporting and disclosure of crime statistics.  While the College encourages victims/survivors to report an incident of sexual misconduct, there are many options available for students to speak with someone about what happened while maintaining confidentiality.  Please see the Columbia-Greene Community College Student Handbook sections on Resources Available for Support and Reporting Procedures for more information on confidentiality.

Policy for Alcohol and/or Drug use Amnesty in Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Cases

The health and safety of every student at the State University of New York and its community colleges is of utmost importance.  Columbia-Greene Community College recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault occurs, may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. Columbia-Greene Community College strongly encourages students to report incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to institution officials.  A bystander acting in good faith or a reporting individual acting in good faith that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to Columbia-Greene Community College officials or law enforcement will not be subject to Columbia-Greene Community College’s Code of Conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.