Holy Cross and City of Worcester to Host Educational Forum on Bias and Hate Crimes

WORCESTER, Mass. – In recognition of the 61st anniversary of the United Nations declaration of human rights and the recent enactment of a more comprehensive federal hate crimes law, the College of the Holy Cross and the City of Worcester will sponsor an educational forum on bias and hate crimes on Dec. 10 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hogan Campus Center, Room 519 at Holy Cross. The event is free and open to the public.  Seating is limited. RSVP at 508-799-1186 or to humanrights@worcesterma.gov

Panelists will include:

* Maura T. Healey, chief attorney, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Civil Rights division * Edward Karcasinas, first district attorney, Office of District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. * Edward J. McGinn, deputy chief of police, City of Worcester * Gladys Rodriguez Parker, director of Community Affairs and Inter-governmental Relations, Office of Congressman James P. McGovern

Among the questions that will be addressed at the forum: What is the definition of bias and hate incidents and crimes? Who is protected under federal law and state law? What is the role of law enforcement? What resources are available for victims of bias and hate?

The event is sponsored by the City Manager’s Community Coalition on Bias and Hate, Human Rights Commission, Commission on Disabilities, and the “Hate: Not Here!” committee at Holy Cross.