Duke University is committed to the principles of respect, trust, inclusion, discovery, and excellence. Additionally, the Duke University Police Department understands our unique role in the University Community. We dedicate ourselves to the specific mission to prevent violence, reduce fear, and build relationships.
The Duke University Police Department responds to any Duke Community member’s complaint of a Hate Crime or bias incident with a special focus on caring for both the individual victim and the affected community, as well as to address overall community safety and solve the crime.
Some expressions of bias, though offensive and potentially a violation of civil law or University policy, are not Hate Crimes unless they satisfy certain legal criteria. In other words, there must be an actual violation of NC law and the crime must be motivated in whole, or in part, by a bias to be labeled a Hate Crime. Those incidents that do not meet this criteria might be labeled a hate or bias incident. This is not to minimize the harm – it is a legal classification. Regardless of the classification, University departments, such as OIE, HR, and Student Affairs, will work collaboratively to support, investigate and adjudicate the incident.
Hate Crime investigations are a high priority for this department. Officers and investigators may take various actions to try to determine who committed the crime, such as interviews, a canvas of the area, review of cameras and other systems, etc. We also consult with external law enforcement – the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the US Attorney’s Office, local agencies, etc. In cases that are not violations of law, DUPD will work with our campus partners to address the fear and disruption that may occur in the wake of such a bias incident. For more information about Duke’s policies, see https://oie.duke.edu
DUPD reports all Hate Crime and bias incidents as federally mandated by the Clery Act and voluntarily to the NC State Bureau of Investigation for inclusion in Federal reporting. DUPD has certified members and investigators who can review, investigate and validate whether a reported incident is a Hate Crime or bias incident in compliance with state and federal law.
Anyone who is aware of a Hate Crime, hate/bias incident or other concerning behavior should report it to any of the following:
- Duke University Police Department – 919-684-2444, or through the LiveSafe App
- Hate and Bias Response
- Office of Institutional Equity
Hate Crimes Statutory Authority and Reporting Requirements**
Federal Authority
The Hate Crimes Statistics Act of 1990 requires the US Attorney General to acquire data regarding criminal violations that contain evidence of prejudice based on race, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin and disability.
Crimes that will be reported include, but are not limited to, the crimes of murder, non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape or sexual offense, robbery, aggravated assault, simple assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, larceny, intimidation, arson, and destruction, damage or vandalism to property.
North Carolina Hate Crimes Statutes
NCGS 14-3 (c) – If any Class 2 or Class 3 misdemeanor is committed because of the victim’s race, color, religion, nationality, or country of origin, the offender shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. If any Class 1 misdemeanor is committed because of the victim ’s race, color, religion, nationality, or country of origin, the offender shall be guilty of a Class I felony.
NCGS 14-12.12 – The unauthorized burning of a cross on someone else’s property, and the unauthorized burning of a cross on a public street or highway or private property with the intention of intimidating any person.
NCGS 14-401.14 – Ethnic Intimidation, which comprises two crimes: 1) To assault another person, or damage the property of another person, or deface the property of another person, or threaten to do any such act because of race, color, religion, nationality, or country of origin. 2) To assemble with one or more persons to teach any technique or means used to commit any act in violation of the above.
**Please note that the reporting definitions to the federal government and the classes of persons covered by NC Statute differ.