WASHINGTON, D.C – The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law on Tuesday hailed the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), an organization with 30,000 members, for adopting a major resolution recognizing the critical role law enforcement plays in responding to hate crimes.
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law recently launched a partnership with the IACP to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and communities that too often are the targets of hate crimes.
“The uptick in hate-fueled events occurring on college campuses, in local communities, and online serves as a chilling reminder that too many individuals are being targeted with violence simply because of who they are. Such fear and violence can take precious lives and tear apart a community. We must redouble our efforts to combat the rise in hate crimes and hate-inspired incidents across our country,” said Kristen Clarke, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee. “Law enforcement is a critical partner in the work that must be done to respond to the rise in hate. We credit the International Association of Chiefs of Police for adopting a new resolution that recognizes its special obligation in the ongoing fight to combat hate.”
Among other things, the resolution states that “the IACP encourages law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to work with affected communities to promote healing and respect, and proactively address bias and hate.”
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a Communities Against Hate partner, leads the Stop Hate Project. The Stop Hate Project works to strengthen the capacity of community leaders, local government, law enforcement, and organizations around the country to combat hate by connecting these groups with legal and social services resources and creating new ones in response to identified needs. The Project’s resource and reporting hotline for hate incidents, 1-844-9-NO-HATE (1-844-966-4283), connects people and organizations combating hate with the resources and support they need.
About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law:
The Lawyers’ Committee, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 54th year, the Lawyers’ Committee is continuing its quest to “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights.
