Hate Crimes Forum Targets Arab, Muslim, Sikh, and South Asian Communities

U.S. Attorney Kevin W. Techau is teaming up with local law enforcement and community agencies to host a forum designed to prevent and respond to hate crimes against Arab, Muslim, Sikh, and South Asian communities in Cedar Rapids, IA.

The event, scheduled for Monday, January 30, 2017, at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, aims to identify and address key issues related to reporting, investigating, prosecuting, and preventing hate crimes. U.S. Attorney Techau will be joined by Darryck Dean, a DOJ Conciliation Specialist with the Community Relations Service, who was actively involved in community conciliation efforts following the incidents in Ferguson, Mo.

The forum is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Iowa Department of Human Rights, the Anti-Defamation League, the Linn County Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Offices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission.

Event details include a ‘pen and pad’ opportunity for the press, with photography permitted, and a press release will be provided. Interview opportunities will be available. The forum will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, Whipple Auditorium, 450 5th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals, and this forum is a crucial step in addressing the growing concern of hate crimes. By working together, officials hope to build a collaborative effort to prevent and respond to bias incidents and hate crimes.

The forum is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion. This event is a critical step in addressing the root causes of hate crimes and promoting a more inclusive and tolerant community.

Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Twitter @USAO_NDIA for updates and information on this and other community events.