Hate Crimes Forum Held in Cedar Rapids

A forum aimed at combating hate crimes in Cedar Rapids was held recently, bringing together federal and local law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and representatives from the Arab, Muslim, Sikh, and South Asian communities.

Under the guise of hatred, perpetrators have been targeting the Arab, Muslim, Sikh, and South Asian Communities, leaving a trail of fear and destruction in their wake. United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau expressed his appreciation to the agencies involved and the community members attending for their willingness to discuss issues that communities across the state and country encounter.

According to Techau, hate crimes represent an attack not just on the individual victim but also on the victim’s community. ‘The impact is broad because these crimes send a message of hate and violence to entire ethnic and religious groups,’ he stated. Techau emphasized that the Department of Justice is committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all people.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Morfitt provided information on the federal statutes that criminalize various types of hate crimes. He covered the evolution of federal hate crime law and the recent expansion of the groups protected by federal hate crime laws. Morfitt also highlighted the importance of proving that an individual acted ‘because of’ the victim’s status as a member of a protected group.

The Linn County Attorney’s Office presented information regarding Iowa hate crime laws. Representatives from the Community Relations Service (CRS) served as moderators and engaged the presenters and law enforcement and community leaders with questions from the audience. The forum provided a safe environment for discussion and a platform for the exchange of ideas.

United States Attorney Techau stated, ‘The Department of Justice is committed to working with all communities to address the issue by working to prevent hate crimes as well as investigate and prosecute hate crimes whenever and wherever necessary.’ The forum was a crucial step in this effort.

To learn more about the Community Relations Service, visit https://www.justice.gov/crs. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.