For more than four years, the University of Utah has been reporting potential hate crimes to the campus community.

This reporting will continue under a new threat assessment process managed by University of Utah Public Safety leaders and a reporting website managed by University Communications.

Since 2021, the Racist and Bias Incident Response Team (RBIRT) committee, shared reports of potential hate crimes with the campus community. Those reports will continue through an updated bias incident report process.

“We are dedicated to creating a community of care at the University of Utah, where all feel welcome and a sense of belonging,” said Chris Nelson, chief university relations officer. “Communicating about hateful incidents and potential hate crimes is an essential part of that effort.”

Consistent with federal civil rights law (Title VI and Title IX), state law and university anti-discrimination and free speech policies and regulations, the university does not tolerate personal attacks on individuals or groups based on who they are or what they believe or vandalism and destruction of property.

“We are committed to the safety, well-being and success of everyone on campus,” said Keith Squires, chief safety officer. “We will continue to track and investigate incidents that violate state and federal laws—such as discrimination, harassment, hate crimes, violence, threats and incitement. Doing so ensures the safety and dignity of our community and helps us prevent future acts of hate and violence.”

At the same time, the university provides wide latitude for free speech—sometimes hateful speech—and academic freedom. Some past incidents will no longer be reported, including: legally posted flyers or posters with offensive speech or ideas, statements made by campus visitors or community members that would fall under First Amendment protected speech guidelines, and interactions in healthcare settings covered by patient privacy laws. This also includes interactions between community members that would be investigated as discrimination or harassment by the Office of Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX.

Members of the campus community can report hate crimes or threats of violence to University of Utah Police, and potential discrimination or harassment to OEO.