Spurred by a nationwide spike in hate crime activity fueled by the conflict in Israel, the Pennsylvania House last month passed an anti-hate crime bill with bipartisan support. "Look at the headlines about what's happening at our colleges, and you'll see why kids don't feel safe on campus — especially if they're black, brown, Jewish, or Muslim," said State Representative Napoleon Nelson, who co-sponsored the bill with colleague Dan Frankel.

If the bill passes the Senate and is signed into law, Pennsylvania will provide additional protections to victims targeted due to their race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, gender, identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, and disability. It will also require colleges and universities, as well as other postsecondary institutions, to offer online and anonymous hate crime reporting options for students and educators. While the intent of the bill is to make reporting hate crimes easier and make victims feel safer, it makes it easier for accusers to make false accusations against a student, which can have serious repercussions on the accused's education and future. If this happens to you, contact our Criminal Defense Team at LLF Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form.

Repercussions of a Hate Crime Accusation on Pennsylvania Campuses

Colleges and universities in Pennsylvania take hate crimes seriously. If campus police catch someone committing a hate crime, they will turn over all evidence to local law enforcement. Prosecutors will determine if there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges against you.

When a college or university receives a report of an alleged hate crime on campus, school officials will investigate. If there is enough damning evidence against the accused, they will impose sanctions that may include loss or suspension of privileges, disciplinary suspension, or expulsion. They may also get kicked out of campus housing, lose their scholarship, and have a black mark on their student record. If the school finds criminal activity occurred, they may also turn the evidence over to local law enforcement, which could lead to criminal charges.

Disciplinary actions and criminal convictions can have long-term consequences for students, resulting in diminished opportunities for employment, difficulty transferring to a new college or university, and the loss of funds to continue their education. A criminal record, in particular, can ruin career dreams and plans for the future.

Falsely Accused of Hate Crimes on a Pennsylvania College Campus? The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team Can Help.

A hate crime accusation is one of the most severe charges a college or graduate student can face, and the repercussions can be life-altering. If someone has accused you of committing such an act, you need an experienced Team that will build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Protect your future and your dreams. Contact our Criminal Defense Team at LLF Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form.