[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 167 (Wednesday, December 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PROMOTING TOLERANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2001

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise again to urge this chamber to 
bring the Hate Crime Legislation H.R. 1342 to the floor for a vote.
  This Nation has seen a sharp rise in hate crimes against individuals 
perceived to be of Middle Eastern decent or Muslim.
  I stood right here 3 weeks ago and said there had been over 1,100 
reported complaints since September 11th. That number has now jumped to 
almost 1,500.
  What is it going to take to get people to realize that hate crimes 
aren't like other crimes?
  People are attacked and intimidated because of how they look or where 
they pray.
  Assault, harassment, discrimination, death threats, hate mail, and 
even death are occurring in schools, workplaces, airports, and homes.
  My own family received a threat. My sister received a call about an 
anthrax letter being sent to her.
  Hate crimes terrorize their victims. When a group is targeted no 
member of the group can feel completely safe.
  There have been stories of Muslim men shaving their beards and 
removing their turbans just to feel safe.
  Our Nation has the will to fight for the freedom of others in 
Afghanistan. We should make sure we have the will to fight for the 
freedom from hate crimes in our own country.
  California has seen one of the largest increases in hate crimes of 
all the states.
  Since September 11th in Los Angeles county alone, there have been 156 
reported incidents against those perceived to be Arabs or Muslim. This 
includes 2 homicides.
  This is a huge increase over last year, when there were just 12 
reported incidents in Los Angeles County.
  I am alarmed at these shameless acts.
  Our diversity is our strength and we must remain united.
  Our children learn prejudice and intolerance from us.
  If we ignore acts of discrimination or make derogatory comments about 
other cultures, religions or ethnic groups what are we teaching our 
children?
  Haven't we had enough? The violence, discrimination and intimidation 
against our Arab and Muslim neighbors must stop now.
  Our children must be taught that it's not okay to use derogatory 
words against people of another race, religion or ethnic group.
  A hate crime does not have to involve an actual act of violence to 
start the cycle of tension and deterioration of civil society that 
leads to violence.
  Juveniles represent about half of hate crime offenders.
  Our children need our help to understand hate crimes and to stop the 
cycle of senseless acts of hate.
  It's time for Congress to take action against hate and intolerance 
and bring H.R. 1343, the Hate Crimes bill, to the floor for a vote.

                          ____________________