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CULVER CITY — After a current racial and homophobic hate crime occurred at an area faculty, a coalition of elected officers and native leaders have despatched a transparent message that hate has no place in colleges or elsewhere.
In a joint information convention Aug. 8, the Culver Metropolis Unified College District and the Los Angeles County Fee on Human Relations addressed the crimes and galvanized help to face as much as hate as the brand new faculty 12 months approaches.
Officers say that suspects, believed to be minors not related to El Marino Language College, trespassed onto campus and tagged racial and homophobic phrases.
In line with county officers, Culver Metropolis Police Division officers acquired stories of vandalism at El Marino Elementary College. Officers found a damaged classroom window and graffiti in a number of areas of the campus, together with hate speech concentrating on the Black and LGBT communities. An investigation was launched, resulting in the identification of two juvenile suspects, who have been arrested and later returned to their mother and father’ custody.
“That is what occurs when elected officers at each single degree of presidency along with on a regular basis neighbors with our academics, our college students, our faith-based organizations and group companions to deal with the very urgent situation of hate at our colleges,” Triston Ezidore, vice chairman of Culver Metropolis Unified College District, mentioned. “It has no place in our group and it has no place in our society.”
Robin Toma, govt director of the county’s Human Relations Fee, mentioned this “ugly incident” was made into one thing “stunning,” the place the group got here collectively to sentence bigotry.
“This isn’t an remoted incident, and we’re in a particular interval by which we now have not seen a decline within the variety of hate crimes reported in a few years,” Toma mentioned. “Since 2014, after we began to see the rise that has gone just about unabated.”
County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who represents the 2nd District, which incorporates Culver Metropolis, mentioned “hate is a discovered conduct and it begins at house.”
“Regardless of who you’re, you have got a elementary proper to be protected and welcomed in any a part of L.A. County,” Mitchell added.
Culver Metropolis Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin mentioned she believes the group’s response will present college students with a safer and extra inclusive surroundings this faculty 12 months.
“Culver Metropolis will all the time be a protected place for people and households, and we won’t tolerate hate speech, rhetoric, or any types of intimidation about any group — particularly at our colleges,” McMorrin mentioned.
The county’s Fee on Human Relations leads the LA vs Hate initiative, and its anti-hate system that’s meant to trace, stop and supply assist for all acts of hate within the county. Assets can be found in multi-languages for residents and colleges at LAvsHate.org or calling 2-1-1.
Moreover, residents can receive entry to a case supervisor, referrals to psychological well being, well being and advocacy companies, and help with civil and human rights authorized treatments.
“I hope the younger people who find themselves right here perceive that these grownups who’re standing in entrance of you to acknowledge that conduct was unacceptable,” Toma mentioned. “We as a group aren’t going to face for it.”
Tony Thurmond, California superintendent of public instruction, additionally joined native leaders, and highlighted the state’s efforts to fight hate. He famous some $20 million in grants which were made obtainable to high school districts for anti-bias training.
“It’s unhappy that we now have to return collectively round these circumstances, however I need to give props to this district for being brave to say, ‘Let’s discuss it,’” Thurmond mentioned. “When hate happens … folks need to sweep it underneath the rug, and it should be addressed instantly.”
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