Deepening Elected Officials' Knowledge of Hate Crimes

Posted on Tuesday Oct 20, 2009 9:31 AM

Jewish Federation’s role to address and solve community problems was evident at Hate Crimes and Discrimination in the Northwest, a symposium for elected officials and their staff held on October 15.

The goal of the symposium was to explore and discuss with elected officials and their staff a wide range of issues concerning hate and discrimination. The symposium was split into three parts:

  • What is hate and discrimination?
  • How do law enforcement agencies deal with and prosecute hate?
  • How can legislators make changes to ensure that all people are protected against perpetrators of discrimination?

A panel of experts led the discussions including, Deputy King County Prosecutor Mike Hogan, State Senator Adam Kline, David Beard of the Seattle Sexual Minorities commission, Christie-Lynne Bonner of the Seattle Police Department, and Assistant National Director of Legal Affairs for ADL Debbie Bensinger.

Attendees came away with real “next steps” on how to combat hate and discrimination and protect our most vulnerable populations in Washington State. The symposium was co-hosted by community member Mark Bloome, Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and ADL.

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