November 17, 2021 

UMBC tracks, investigates, and reports hate-bias incidents on our campus. Hate-bias incidents are acts that could be interpreted as expressions of hate or bias against a particular group or individual because of their membership, perceived or actual, in that group. These acts may range from those considered to be offensive to acts that threaten or cause physical harm. Such incidents are inconsistent with UMBC values, including our community’s respect for diversity and inclusion. We believe it is important to alert our campus community about these divisive and hurtful occurrences. 

Incident:  Physical assault - attempt to remove hijab

Location:  The Commons

Date/Time:  11/16/21 6:52 p.m.

Incident Description:  A student reported to a Commons staff member that an unknown male attempted to remove her hijab. UMBC Police are investigating, and the Division of Student Affairs is reaching out to students most directly impacted as well as shared governance leaders in our community.

If you have any information about this incident, please call UMBC Police at 410-455-5555.

UMBC students, faculty, staff members or visitors who choose to violate relevant policies and laws are solely responsible for their actions. University authorities will make every effort to sanction individuals who violate those policies and laws. Please be aware that the decision to violate these policies and laws may endanger your academic success and personal freedom.

Support and Safety

Students in need of support can contact i3b - Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging at (410) 455-2686 or i3b@umbc.edu. Faculty and staff can access support through the Employee Assistance Program. 

Community members may also report instances of hate or bias through the Office of Equity and Inclusion’s confidential reporting form. 

UMBC Police provides an escort service for anyone who feels unsafe when walking on or near campus. If you would like an escort please call 410-455-5555. If you observe suspicious activity or behavior, contact the police immediately by calling 410-455-5555

Paul Dillon

Chief of Police

Dear UMBC Community,

As we approach the Presidential Inauguration, we want to provide the campus community with an update on what we know about planned protests in our area and guidance on keeping yourself safe and healthy.

• While we are not expecting any protests/incidents on campus, the UMBC Police will be increasing our presence on campus during the week of January 17.

• We ask that community members avoid traveling to or near the Statehouse in Annapolis on Sunday, January 17, due to calls for armed protests at all state capitals across the country on that date.

• We also ask that you avoid traveling to Washington, D.C. on and around Inauguration Day, Wednesday, January 20, in light of the ongoing security situation; numerous street, metro, and site closures; and health risks posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to security concerns, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make large gatherings very dangerous, and we strongly advise choosing to attend some of the many planned virtual events.  If you choose to attend events in person during the coming days, please take steps to stay safe and healthy. These include social distancing, wearing a mask at all times, frequent hand washing or sanitizing, and avoiding contact with people outside of your immediate household.

Earlier this week, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan joined with Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in issuing a joint statement regarding the Inauguration that said, in part, “Due to the unique circumstances surrounding the 59th Presidential Inauguration, including last week’s violent insurrection as well as the ongoing and deadly COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking the extraordinary step of encouraging Americans not to come to Washington, D.C. and to instead participate virtually.”

As always, if you see something on campus that concerns you, please contact UMBC Police at (410) 455-5555. If you experience an emergency or see something of concern while you are off campus, please call 911.

Paul Dillion, UMBC Chief of Police

Hate Crime

July 6, 2020

UMBC tracks, investigates, and reports hate-bias crimes/incidents on our campus. Hate-bias crimes/incidents are acts that could be interpreted as expressions of hate or bias against a particular group or individual because of their membership, perceived or actual, in that group. These acts may range from those considered to be offensive to acts that threaten or cause physical harm. Such incidents are inconsistent with UMBC values, including our community’s respect for diversity and inclusion. We believe it is important to alert our campus community about these divisive and hurtful occurrences.

Incident: Offensive slur written on a desk targeting a Black employee of a bwtech@UMBC North Research and Technology Park company.

Location: 5520 Research Park Drive, third floor; an office building operated by an external developer.

Date/Time: July 6, 2020, 10:10 a.m.

Incident Description: An employee of a company located in the Research Park reported to his supervisor that a racial slur was written on the employee’s desk. The supervisor reported the incident to UMBC Police. UMBC Police interviewed the employee and supervisor, as well as another manager, to gain additional information about who may have written the slur. The investigation is ongoing.

If you have information about this incident, please call the UMBC Police at (410) 455-5555.

UMBC students, faculty, staff members or visitors who choose to violate relevant policies and laws are solely responsible for their actions. University authorities will make every effort to sanction individuals who violate those policies and laws. Please be aware that the decision to violate these policies and laws may endanger your academic success and personal freedom.

Safety Tips

If you observe suspicious activity or behavior, contact UMBC Police immediately by calling (410) 455-5555. UMBC Police provides an escort service for anyone who feels unsafe when walking on or near campus. If you would like an escort please call (410) 455-5555.

Paul Dillon, Chief of Police

Hate/Bias Incident

October 22, 2019 

UMBC tracks, investigates, and reports hate-bias incidents on our campus. Hate-bias incidents are acts that could be interpreted as expressions of hate or bias against a particular group or individual because of their membership, perceived or actual, in that group. These acts may range from those considered to be offensive to acts that threaten or cause physical harm. Such incidents are inconsistent with UMBC values, including our community’s respect for diversity and inclusion. We believe it is important to alert our campus community about these divisive and hurtful occurrences. 

Incident:  Offensive slur written on white board

Location:  Chesapeake Hall

Date/Time:  10/22/19, 11:24pm.

Incident Description:  A Resident Assistant (RA) reported a racial slur written on a resident’s white board. Neither the RA nor the students had additional information about who may have written the slur.

If you have any information about this incident, please call the UMBC Police at 410-455-5555.

UMBC students, faculty, staff members or visitors who choose to violate relevant policies and laws are solely responsible for their actions. University authorities will make every effort to sanction individuals who violate those policies and laws. Please be aware that the decision to violate these policies and laws may endanger your academic success and personal freedom.

Safety Tips

The UMBC police provides an escort service for anyone who feels unsafe when walking on or near campus. If you would like an escort please call 410-455-5555. If you observe suspicious activity or behavior, contact the police immediately by calling 410-455-5555

Paul Dillon

Chief of Police