LA County HRC Calls on School Districts to
Develop Hate Crime Policies

The County Commission on Human Relations joined the County Office of Education in sponsoring a conference on, "Promoting School Safety: Models and Guidelines on Managing Inergroup Conflict" on March 24, 2000 in the City of Lakewood.  The conference was held to address the increaseing level of hate violence in schools.  According to the Commission's 1998 Annual Report there was a 50% increase in the level of race-based hate crimes committed on school campuses with nearly equal numbers taking place at elementary, middle and high schools.  When a student's racial background or other prejudicial factors are the basis for being a target of a hate crime, then it is incumbent on school districts to incorporate elements of intergroup conflict management into their Safe School Plan.  The conference was designed specifically for board members, superintendents and administrators who have a principal role in integrating policies and protocols around school safety.

Highlights of the conference included a presentation from Bob Kim, ACLU counsel in Northern California who put school districts on notice that failure to protect students from harassment can lead to legal action.  He urged school districts to take advantage of all precautionary measures in order to avoid litigation and provide a safe and learning environment for all students.  Echoing his remarks, a panel of school administrators which was moderated by CAHRO Board member Stephen Thom of the US. Department of Justice, Community Relations Services spoke on "best practices for managing intergroup conflict."  They underscored the importance of being proactive in addressing intergroup conflict and reiterated that hateful acts have a cumulative effect, and make school unsafe for everyone, and destabilize entire communities.

Luncheon speaker Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl, author of California Students Safety and Prevention Act of 2000, urged school districts to be proactive by developing workable policies as well as listening and supporting students and staff that are hoping to make a positive difference.