Campus Safety & Security

Campus Safety & Security

Site Information

Organization Name: MERCAZ HATORAH BELLE HARBOR
Legally Responsible Entity: MERCAZ HATORAH BELLE HARBOR
Address: 505 BEACH 129 TH STREET ROCKAWAY PARKWAY, NY 11694
Site Safety Director: Rabbi S.Z. DICKER
Phone # 718-474-3064
Fax# 718-634-4510
E-mail Address: office@ymhbh.com
Site Operation hours: 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.

 

 

Security Procedures/ Policies on access to facilities

All unknown visitors to the building will be screened as follows:

  •  Visitor must show valid identification.
  •  Each visitor is escorted to his or her location
  •  Access to all school facilities is restricted to students, employees and authorized
    visitors who are approved by the school administration.
  • After hours student access is provided by contacting appointed employee’s and or
    students.
Emergency Equipment
The Supervisor-In-Charge and/or designated staff member must

  • Inspect the first aid kit monthly and replace materials as soon as possible;
  • Maintain a cell phone or walkie-talkie system for the director and board chair to
    utilize in the event of telephone service disruptions;
  • Maintain battery operated flashlights;
  • Maintain a battery-operated radio to listen to emergency broadcasts;
  • Check that all fire exits, fire extinguishers, and fire and smoke alarms are working
    properly at all times. The program must cooperate with the Fire Department
    inspections and implement corrective actions immediately;
  • If possible, ensure that important paper and computer files are “backed up” and
    stored in duplicate at an off-site secured location. This includes contact
    information for both students and staff.

 Disaster Sheltering-In

There will be times when the appropriate response to a disaster may require that emergency
responders’ direct students and staff to remain within the building, or be “sheltered-in”.

The following procedures must be followed when sheltering-in is required:

The teachers should lead their students in a calm and orderly way to:

  • A hallway and away from windows and glass
  • An area that is isolated and where ventilation can be turned off, if needed; (E.I. the lower basement)
  • An area that is lower than the first floor and away from the main entrance of the building; and,
  • An area that has access to emergency resources such as water, cups, non-perishable food, blankets, change of clothing, a battery operated radio, and flashlights.

The determination that staff and students should remain inside during a disaster will be made by local law enforcement and public safety officials. Once that decision has been made, staff will be given particular directions as to where staff and students should be moved as well as the steps that need to be taken to ensure that the relocated environment remains free from the dangers outside of the building.  

Procedures for During an Explosion

In case of explosion, staff and students will get under sturdy tables or desks if things are falling around them. As soon as the falling comes to a halt and it was determined safe for them to leave the site, they will leave quickly, watching for obviously weakened floors and stairways, and will be especially watchful of falling debris. Once outside, they will not stand in front of windows, glass doors, or other potentially hazardous areas. They will move away from sidewalks or streets which are being used by emergency officials or others still exiting the building.

Fire Drill Procedures

  • Fire drills will take place at least once each month.
  • At the sound of the alarm, the students are lined up quickly and quietly in double file.
  • Teachers must take up a position that will ensure calm, orderly, and a quick exit while accompanying the students. The lead teacher leads the class at the head of the group, Before leaving class environs, the teacher must make a quick check and yell, “Is everyone out?” to assure no one is left behind.
  • Each class will move quickly and quietly through the pre-designated exit.
  • The students will continue walking toward the end of the block.
  • A class list should be taken along, and be crosschecked upon safe exit to ensure that all students are accounted for.
  • The custodial staff will check the classrooms, bathrooms, or any other place a student might be left behind, and report results to the safety supervisor.
  • When an “all clear” signal is sounded, the teachers lead the students back to the building 
  • The safety supervisor should make a written assessment after every drill, assessing the timing, evacuation routes, etc. and plan on ways to improve it.

Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation Plan

Posters for Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Emergency evacuation procedures, implementing Fire Department recommendations, are posted in conspicuous places throughout the facility. 

The emergency evacuation plan includes the following:

  • How students and staff will be made aware of emergencies
  • Primary and secondary routes of egress
  • Methods of evacuation including where students and staff will meet after evacuating the building and how attendance will be taken
  • Roles of the staff and chain of command
  • Notification of authorities and the students’ parents

Fire Safety & Emergency Evacuation

The 505 Beach 129th   Street building has two means of egress on ground level; one right side exit, and one left side in the building.  The building contains two stories plus the basement level. 

In case of fire or other emergencies:

Classes on the first floor closer to the main exit will use front main exit and will head down 

The teacher will lead and will not leave the class until assuring that every student has left the room.

The clerical and custodial staff will check the classes, bathroom, or any other room or place a student might stay behind such as closets, corners, behind doors and cubbies. All teachers will take their class rosters when they evacuate the building to ensure that all students are accounted for.

Disabilities

In the event that there are handicapped students who need assistance to evacuate the building, the social service staff person assigned to that respective class will be responsible for providing special assistance to those students.

 

Relocation 

Once everyone has been safely evacuated and accounted for, all students and staff will relocate to:

First Alternative Location:  511 Beach 129h Street

Belle Harbor, NY 11694

718-945-4420

 

Second Alternative Location:   124-05 Rockaway Beach Boulevard

Belle Harbor, NY 11694

718-474-3064

This location will be communicated with the parent body and will be utilized unless otherwise directed by NYPD, NYFD, or other authorized emergency personnel.

Parent Notification

In the event of an evacuation due to a real emergency, parents will be notified as quickly and efficiently as possible under the circumstances. Once the safety of all students has been established parent notification should be top priority.

Location of Fire Extinguishers

One per floor. Each one is next to an exit Two in the kitchen and one by boiler. 

We have two floors and a basement.

Supervision of Students during an Evacuation

Staff will assure that all students present are evacuating the building by taking attendance upon departure. Staff will take a roll call of each student upon reaching a safe area.

 

Process for Responding to Student Abuse/Maltreatment Allegations

Employees will be required to report to the Statewide Central Registry within 24 hours of an allegation or arrest. An employee who is suspected of abuse/maltreatment will be immediately removed from students. Director will assess and document all information regarding an allegation. 

 

Campus policy regarding sexual assault:

Mercaz Hatorah is fully committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students. Accordingly, the school adheres to a strict no-tolerance policy with regard to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.  Domestic Violence is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following criminal offenses upon a person protected under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1990: Homicide, Assault, Terroristic threats, Kidnapping, Criminal Restraint, False Imprisonment, Sexual Assault, Criminal Sexual Contact, Lewdness, Criminal Mischief, Burglary, Criminal Trespass, Harassment, Stalking. 

 In the event of a sex offense, or incident of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, students are urged to contact the police immediately. The nearest police station is located at NYC Police 100th Precinct 92-24 Rockaway Beach Blvd Rockaway Beach NY 11693, Telephone 718-318-4200. If a student does not feel comfortable contacting the police directly, he may do so indirectly through the school’s police liaison, Rabbi Yossi Goldstein. Should such an assault or incident occur, it is important for the student to preserve all evidence as proof of a criminal offense. Victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking are directed to contact a special culturally-sensitive project called Kol Tzedek. Their confidential hotline is 718-250-3000. This is a dedicated hotline and is answered by culturally sensitive social workers and legal staff. A brochure of their services is available at the following website: http://www.brooklynda.org/kol_tzedek/Kol%20Tzedek%20Brochure%202012.pdf

Victims of domestic violence may also contact the Shalom Task Force’s Confidential Hotline at (718) 337-3700. Mercaz Hatorah will change a victim’s academic and living situation after the alleged sex offense if changes are requested by the victim and are reasonably available. In the case of an alleged sex offense, incident of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, both the accuser and the accused will be called before a disciplinary committee headed by the Dean of Men.  The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding. Rabbi Shmuel Z Dicker will interview both parties and any witnesses in order to make a determination of the student’s culpability. The accuser and the accused will be informed of the school’s disciplinary proceeding with respect to the alleged offense or incident. 

 

Any student who is found guilty of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, as determined by an investigation by a faculty board of inquiry, will immediately be expelled from the institution.  There is no due process involved, and no appeal will be accepted. Attendance at our institution is a privilege, not a right, and may be withdrawn without notice if the student is deemed a threat to the safety and security of the student body.  

Campus crime reporting procedures

Any student or employee who observes a crime should immediately notify the nearest police station.  In addition, in the event of any threatening event (e.g. bomb threat, suspected criminal, suspicious character on premises, etc.) the person who observes the danger should carefully and quietly notify the senior administrative staff member on campus so that all students and employees can be notified and advised what precautions to take, while avoiding panic.

All crimes should be brought to the attention of Rabbi Yossi Goldstein, who serves as a liaison with the local police in coordinating information and keeping students informed.  Pertinent crime information will be publicly announced to the student body within 24 hours of a crime.

Policies for preparing the annual disclosure of crime statistics:  The institution annually discloses crime statistics to students and employees.

 Programs to educate students and employees about campus security procedures:  Students are expected to read all the security materials carefully, and to adhere to all policies.

 Programs to educate students and employees about crime prevention: Students are expected to observe rudimentary precautions, such as traveling in groups after dark and in high crime areas.

Statistics, for most recent calendar year (and last two as available), of violent offenses thefts reported to police:  There have been no documented cases of violent offenses.

Statistics on liquor, drug, and weapons abuses:  There have been no documented offenses related to liquor, illegal drugs or weapons.

Substance abuse policy: See Drug and Alcohol policy

 

Mental Health

Support for Emotional Distress Following an Emergency

In the event that an emergency impacts students, families, or staff, our community’s mental health professionals will be contacted to help mediate the emotional effects of the emergency or crisis and strengthen resilience.  We can refer a student to Chai Lifeline Crisis Hotline.  Their phone number is 212-465-1300 or 877-242-4543

 

Corrective Action Plan

The program will formulate a corrective action plan to protect the students and staff, in the event that a staff member is alleged to have committed a crime.

Corrective Action Plan will contain:

  • A general description of the alleged incident and the date it occurred
  • Age and gender of student/students involved
  • The staff member involved and their responsibilities related to student supervision or potential for unsupervised contact with students
  • Steps taken to protect the well-being of students in our care while the alleged incident is under investigation

Lost student protocol

Policy

Mercaz Hatorah Belle Harbor is committed to promote student safety during off-site experiences ensuring that no student leaves program premises or field trips unsupervised. 

Procedures

In the event that a student is found to be missing, the employee will immediately report the information to the following authorities: Rabbi Yosef Goldstein, NYPD, Student Abuse Hotline and. In addition, a responsible adult will be assigned to notify the parents.

The local search team and first aid service, Shomrim Safety Patrol and Hatzolah will be contacted and will assume responsibility for determining the parameters, scope, and duration of search, as well as instructions and decisions. Staff to student ratio for the remaining students will be maintained.

The Shomrim Safety Patrol will be responsible to conduct a student assessment and to determine if there is a need for medical intervention. They will also be responsible for determining what has transpired during the student’s absence and if intervention is indicated.

The director together with the special events coordinator will document a report within 48 hours of the incident.

  • Staff – At the beginning of the school year, direct service staff will be trained in routine attendance and lost student plan. 

 Staff Training

Program staff will be trained in the following areas:

  • New Employee Orientation – all new staff members
  • Training Curricula
  • Student Abuse Recognition and Reporting – all staff members
  • Provision of first aid and emergency medical assistance
  • Procedures for Student Supervision and Discipline
  • Fire Safety and Fire Drills
  • Student and Staff Evacuation Procedures
  • Supervision during Off-Site Activities
  • Process to document attendance at staff training

 

MERCAZ HATORAH OF BELLE HARBOR DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY

Contact Person: Rabbi Yosef Goldstein 347-528-3660
In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of
1989 (Public Law 101-226), the following program has been adopted and
implemented at Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah of Belle Harbor to prevent the illicit
use of drugs and abuse of alcohol and tobacco by students and employees.
Students are expected to comply with the Yeshiva’s Rules and Regulations which
are printed in the college’s Undergraduate and Graduate catalog and in this
document.
Standards of Conduct
Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah of Belle Harbor is a caring institution of higher
education committed to promoting the physical, intellectual, social, and ethical
development of all individuals. The inappropriate use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit
drugs, threatens the health and safety of students, employees, their families, and the
general public, and adversely impairs performance. In addition to promoting health,
safety, and a positive learning and working environment, Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah of Belle Harbor is committed
to preventing alcohol and other drug-related
problems among all members of the Yeshiva community.
All members of the Yeshiva community are expected to abide by the laws of the
City, State, and Federal government. Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah of Belle Harbor
will not serve as a sanctuary, and cannot insulate its students, faculty, and staff from
the consequences of illegal acts, including prosecution under the law.
Responsible use of alcohol on or off premises, by students over 21, while not
encouraged, will be permitted only as part of ritual services, only under the
supervision of a member of the faculty or administration, and only as long as the
student makes no attempt to operate a motor vehicle.
LEGAL SANCTIONS:
LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL
Illicit Drugs: The legislature of the State of New York and Federal statutes have
made the possession, sale, or purchase of certain drugs without authorization a
crime. The unlawful manufacture, possession, distribution, dispensing, or use of
such drugs on Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah of Belle Harbor property or at Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah of Belle Harbor sponsored activities is prohibited. Anyone determined to have violated this policy will be subject to the appropriate penalties. (see below). All members of the Yeshiva community are expected to abide by the 132 City, State, and Federal statutes that have made the possession, sale, or purchase of illegal drugs a crime.
As a condition of employment, any employee of the Yeshiva must
notify his or her supervisor if he or she is convicted of a drug-related offense
involving the workplace within five (5) days of conviction. Pursuant to the Drug-
Free Workplace Act of 1988, 34 CFR §85.635, the Yeshiva is then required to
notify the appropriate granting or contracting Federal agency within ten (10) days
of receiving notice of any such conviction.
You can be arrested if you are in the company of friends who are using
illegal drugs, even if you are not participating. The present penal system is such
that even one night in jail awaiting a court appearance (even if you are not
convicted) is a most unpleasant experience.

Alcohol: New York State law prohibits selling or giving alcohol to any
“visibly intoxicated person”. Possession and consumption of alcohol are
illegal under New York State law for those under 21 years of age. The
unlawful manufacture, possession, distribution, dispensing, or use of
alcohol on Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah of Belle Harbor property or at
Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah of Belle Harbor sponsored activities is prohibited. Anyone
determined to have violated this policy will be subject to the appropriate penalties.
(see below).
Tobacco: Smoking is prohibited in all Yeshiva buildings.
These standards of conduct and policies are consistent with the Yeshiva’s desire
to promote health and safety and are in accordance with the requirements of the
Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities
Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226). Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah of Belle Harbor
will continue their efforts to maintain an environment free
from the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of alcohol and other drugs.
A. FEDERAL PENALTIES
There are severe penalties for illegal drug trafficking, with minimum sentences for
many categories. See following chart.
B. STATE PENALTIES
The state of New York has its drug laws codified in Articles 220 and 221 of the
Penal Code. See following chart for a summary of the New York State criminal
penalties for the sale and possession of controlled substances.
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C. LOCAL ORDINANCES
These may range from fines for driving with an open container or an alcoholic
beverage in the car, regardless of whether the driver has consumed any alcohol, to
more severe penalties.
Health Risks Associated with Illicit Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Illicit drugs: Numerous independent studies have documented the serious health
consequences posed by the use of illicit drugs: addiction/ dependence,
physiological damage, and intellectual, psychological, or emotional breakdown.
Altered perception and behavior under the influence of certain drugs can also cause
accidents. The health hazards of specific drugs are listed in this appendix.
Alcohol: Alcohol (ethanol) is toxic to the human body. It is a central nervous
system depressant that slows bodily functions such as heart rate, pulse, and
respiration. Taken in large quantities, it progressively causes intoxication, sedation,
and unconsciousness – and can lead to death. Alcoholics can consume large
quantities of alcohol without appearing to be drunk or uncontrolled. Nevertheless,
alcoholism causes severe emotional, physical, and psychological damage.
Prolonged heavy drinking can damage various organs, resulting in disorders such
as cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease, pancreatitis, and cancer. It can also lead to
gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, diarrhea, gastritis, ulcers), malnutrition, high
blood pressure, lowered resistance to disease, and possible irreversible brain and
nervous system damage. Alcoholism can also lead to a wide variety of problems
involving one’s emotional, family, work, and social life.
Tobacco: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the American
Psychiatric Association, and the World Health Organization have determined that
nicotine, the chief component of tobacco, is a highly addictive drug. Forty years
ago, the first report of the U.S. Surgeon General was issued on the impact of tobacco
use on health. This 1964 report presented stark conclusions: that cigarette smoking
causes lung cancer and is the most significant cause of chronic bronchitis. The
report linked tobacco smoking with emphysema and other forms of cancer. The
health hazards of tobacco use are now well documented and directly linked to the
death of an estimated 390,000 Americans a year.
Recent studies have shown that mere exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is
associated with the occurrence of many diseases, such as lung cancer and heart
disease in nonsmokers and low birthrate in the offspring of nonsmokers. Because
environmental tobacco smoke represents one of the strongest sources of indoor air
contaminants in buildings where smoking is permitted, the Seminary adopted a
policy that prohibits smoking inside all Seminary facilities (buildings). Seminary
presidents are free to impose a total ban on smoking on their grounds, or provide
for limited smoking areas outside of buildings, a set distance from a building’s
entrance.
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Counseling Services
Illicit drugs and alcohol: If you are experiencing difficulty with alcohol or
chemical dependency, Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah of Belle Harbor can help you
find counseling services or rehabilitation programs that will help you with your
problem.
Students may be referred to the Dean of Students by members of the instructional
staff or may seek assistance directly. The Dean of Students may take disciplinary
action as required, or may recommend that the student meet with a counselor for
appropriate referral or assistance through self-help organizations or other outside
intervention agencies such as Torah Umesorah’s Counterforce Program. Serious
health risks, documented by the medical community, accompany the use and abuse
of alcohol and drugs.
Employees will, at the request of their supervisor, be asked to meet with a
counselor. The counselor, after an interview, may recommend appropriate
assistance through self-help organizations or other outside intervention such as drug
rehabilitation or employee assistance programs. Employees may also seek such
assistance on their own.
Tobacco: The Dean of Students can provide help, referrals, or information about
smoking cessation.
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YESHIVA SANCTIONS
As an institution which is firmly opposed to any drug involvement, we shall deal
severely with any student who misuses controlled substances. Please read the
following carefully. It is the only warning you will receive before sanctions are
imposed.
A. KNOWLEDGE THAT ANOTHER STUDENT/EMPLOYEE IS INVOLVED WITH DRUGS
OR ALCOHOL
Students/employees who become aware that a fellow student/employee is misusing
drugs or alcohol are expected to bring the problem to the attention of the Dean of
Students immediately. Students/employees who fail to do so will be held
responsible, and will be censured.
Be aware that neglect of a serious problem of this nature may prove to be a severe
threat to the well-being of the individual involved, as well as to those around him.
B. FIRST OFFENSE – STUDENTS
A student who is reported to have misused drugs/alcohol will be called to the Dean
of Student’s office to respond to the accusation. The Dean will interview any
witnesses, and make a determination of the student’s culpability.
If found to be at fault, the student will receive a reprimand, and the offense will be
noted in the student’s permanent record.
At the discretion of the Dean, the student will be suspended, pending discussion
with the student’s parents and meeting with a health professional to assess the
degree of the problem.
If the Dean is fully satisfied that this was a onetime occurrence, and that the student
is sincerely regretful, and can be trusted to refrain from any future involvement with
drugs, the student will be allowed back into school.
He will be clearly warned that any repeat of the offense will result in immediate
suspension pending investigation, and ultimately in expulsion.
C. SECOND OFFENSE – STUDENTS
Any student who is guilty of a second offense, as determined by investigation by a
faculty board of inquiry, will immediately be expelled from the institution.
Reinstatement may be considered only after a prolonged period of professional
counseling and compliance testing, and at the discretion of the Dean.
There is no due process involved, and no appeal will be accepted. Attendance at
our institution is a privilege not a right, and may be withdrawn without notice if the
student is deemed a threat to the moral and/or physical integrity of the student body.
D. FIRST OFFENSE – EMPLOYEES
In general, no applicant who has been convicted of a drug-related offense will be
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hired as an employee of this institution, although we may consider extenuating
circumstances.
Any employee who has concealed a past drug-related conviction will be terminated
without notice if such offense comes to our attention.
Any employee who is observed to be misusing drugs and/or engaging in its
unlawful possession or sale, will immediately be terminated and referred to
appropriate law enforcement officials.
E. ADDICTION TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS/ALCOHOL
As legal substances, prescription drugs and alcohol are, unfortunately, susceptible
to misuse and addiction.
The institution is sympathetic to any individual who is inadvertently entrapped in
such a situation, and urges that individual to obtain immediate professional and/or
self-help group type of assistance in curing the addiction.
The Administration will make every effort to allow the employee to arrange his
schedule to facilitate seeking professional assistance, and will make every possible
effort to allow an employee to return to work after seeking treatment for their
addiction at a residential clinic.

F. RESPONSIBLE USE OF ALCOHOL
Under no circumstances is a student who has consumed any alcoholic beverage, in
any quantity, to drive any motor vehicle. A student’s friends are expected to
exercise good judgment and seek the assistance of an adult if they are unable to
dissuade a student from driving.
Preferably, a student who is drinking should turn his car keys over to a friend. We
wholeheartedly support the idea of a designated driver. This is an arrangement
where one person, who will not drink at all, is selected in advance to drive home.
Any student who drinks will be held responsible, and censured severely, for any
infraction of this rule, up to and including a meeting with the student’s parents,
and/or suspension.
Federal and State Sanctions
for the Unlawful Use of Alcohol and Drugs
Illicit drugs: Both Federal and New York State laws make it a criminal offense to
manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute,
dispense, or simply possess a controlled substance, including marijuana (21 U.S.C.
§801, et seq.; New York State Penal Law, §§220, 221; New York State Public
Health Law, §3306). The penalties imposed upon conviction for violation of these
laws depend upon the particular offense and on aggravating factors such as the type
and quantity of drugs in each offense. Sanctions range from monetary fines and
community service to imprisonment. Federal penalties are similar to those assessed
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by New York State. Note also the following important aspects of New York State
statutes:
In New York State, a gift of drugs, including marijuana, is treated as a sale.
Appearing in public under the influence of narcotics or a drug other than alcohol
to the degree that one may endanger oneself or other persons or property, or annoy
persons in one’s vicinity, is a violation, punishable by a fine and imprisonment up
to 15 days. New York State Penal Law §240.40.
Alcohol: A variety of criminal penalties may result from the misuse of alcoholic
beverages:
In New York, if you give or sell an alcoholic beverage to a person less than 21
years old, you are committing a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year
in jail and a possible $1,000 fine. New York State Penal Law §260.20 (2).
Any sale of any kind of alcoholic beverage without a license or permit is a
misdemeanor punishable by a fine, a jail term, or both.
If you are under the age of 21, you are prohibited from possessing alcoholic
beverages with intent to consume them. Each violation is punishable by a $50 fine.
The beverages may also be seized and destroyed by appropriate internal or external
authorities.
You can be fined up to $100 and required to perform community service if you
are under 21 and present falsified proof when attempting to purchase alcoholic
beverages, and you can have your driver’s license suspended for up to 90 days if
you use it to try to purchase alcohol illegally.
Any person who operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated, or while his/her
ability to operate such vehicle is impaired by the consumption of alcohol or drugs,
is subject to suspension or revocation of driving privileges in the State, monetary
fines up to $1,000, and imprisonment up to one year. New York State Vehicle Traffic
Law §1192.
Tobacco: Selling tobacco products to any person under the age of 18 is a class B
misdemeanor and punishable by imprisonment up to 3 months. New York State
Penal Law §260.21 (3).
Note also that because exposure to environmental tobacco smoke has been
identified as a health hazard to nonsmokers, the Seminary strengthened its own
policy that prohibits smoking inside all Seminary facilities (buildings).
These are only examples of the possible penalties for the illegal possession, use,
and distribution of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco. You should also
know that it is part of the Seminary’s official policy to discourage violations of
Federal, State, and City laws. Where appropriate, the Seminary will refer persons
who violate such laws for prosecution to the relevant governmental authorities and
will cooperate fully with such authorities.
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Ineligibility for Federal Grants, Loans, or Assistance
A federal or state drug conviction may disqualify a student for Federal Student Aid
funds.
The Higher Education Reconciliation Act (HERA) modified this criterion so that
convictions only count if they were for an offense that occurred during a period of
enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV aid. Students who became
ineligible due to offenses that did NOT occur during such a period are now eligible.
Also, a conviction that was reversed, set aside, or removed from the student’s
record does not count, nor does one receive when he was a juvenile, unless he was
tried as an adult.
The chart below illustrates the period of ineligibility for FSA funds, depending on
whether the conviction was for sale or possession and whether the student had
previous offenses. (A conviction for sale of drugs includes convictions for
conspiring to sell drugs.)
Student Ineligibility for Federal Grants, Loans, or Work Assistance
Possession Sale
of illegal drugs of illegal drugs
1st offense 1 year from date of conviction 2 years from date of conviction
2nd offense 2 years from date of conviction Indefinite period
3+ offenses Indefinite period
If the student was convicted of both possessing and selling illegal drugs, and the
periods of ineligibility are different; the student will be ineligible for the longer
period.
A student regains eligibility the day after the period of ineligibility ends or when
he successfully completes a qualified drug rehabilitation program. Further drug
convictions will make him ineligible again.
Students denied eligibility for an indefinite period can regain it only after
successfully completing a rehabilitation program as described below or if a
conviction is reversed, set aside, or removed from the student’s record so that fewer
than two convictions for sale or three convictions for possession remain on the
record. In such cases, the nature and dates of the remaining convictions will
determine when the student regains eligibility. It is the student’s responsibility to
certify that he has successfully completed the rehabilitation programs.
When a student regains eligibility during the award year, Pell and Campus-based
aid for the current payment period and Direct and FFEL loans for the period of
enrollment may be awarded.
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Community-Based Services
Alcoholics Anonymous
718-520-5021
Al-Anon
212-254-7230
212-260-0407
Focus on Recovery
800-234-1253
NYS Drug Information Hotline
800-522-5353
Children of Alcoholics
800-359-COAF (359-2623)
Stop Smoking Hotline
800-ACS-2345 (227-2345)
Torah Umesorah Counterforce
718-854-7730

Campus Security And Fire Safety Reports Ad Drug Charts

CAMPUS SECURITY AND FIRE SAFETY REPORTS AND DRUG CHARTS

August 1, 2023- July 31, 2024

For annual distribution to students and employees

Published October 1, 2024

Number of murders reported to police 0
Number of robberies reported to police 0
Number of gender related crimes reported to police 0
Number of aggravated assaults reported to police 0
Number of burglaries reported to police 0
Number of motor vehicle thefts reported to police 0
Number of offenses related to liquor 0
Number of offenses related to illegal drugs 0
Number of offenses related to weapons 0