News Archive

Call for Unity and Tolerance

The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations is issuing an urgent appeal to community members to show restraint and respect in responding to the emotions following the tragedies at the World Trade Center and Pentagon. "We share the nation's concern and grieve for the families of victims affected by the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001," states Robin Toma, Executive Director for the Los Angeles Commission on Human Relations. "However, we cannot allow other innocent victims to be hurt or damaged by hatred."

The Commission is issuing its appeal in response to reports of physical and verbal assaults targeting those perceived as Middle Eastern, including South Asians and in some cases Latinos, and agencies serving these County residents. The Commission is also responding with a Plan for Unity & Tolerance which is an outreach plan to promote tolerance, mobilize against acts of hate and discrimination, and unify County residents in the wake of the tragedies in New York and Washington, D.C.

In accordance with the Commission's interest in addressing hate crimes and other acts of intolerance and violence based on perceived status of ethnicity, age, disability or sexual orientation, we are highly concerned about the threat to the lives and dignity of individuals in our community who are potential targets by those looking for a place to direct their understandable and significant anger. It is now, more than ever, that we appeal to all to remember that Americans, loyal Americans, come in all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and religions. There are many in the South Asian community, Sikhs for example, who wear turbans and who are neither Muslim nor Middle Eastern but who are being targeted in some of these assaults. Likewise, there are devout practicing Muslims, just as devastated by the attacks of September 11th, who are committed to non-violence and in no way condone the misguided actions of terrorists, who are also targets for unwarranted attacks and discrimination. We have received many reports of people from these communities - our neighbors, co-workers and friends - afraid to attend classes at school, to wear their traditional clothing or even, in some cases, to leave their homes for fear of being indiscriminately targeted in acts of hate violence. Some have already been killed, some shot at, and many more verbally abused or visibly judged.

In our appeal to all to grieve very real losses and to experience very legitimate anger without endangering the lives and liberties of others, we are asking all our partners and County residents to reach out to those who are potential victims of indiscriminate attacks by helping to make sure they are connected with the resources and protection they need. It is for this reason that we are providing a list of some of these resources that are available to aid potential victims of hate crime and incidents including: a list of Law Enforcement Hate Crime Coordinators, to whom reports of hate crime should be made; Hotlines & Resources, including those that provide victim assistance, that serve potentially targeted communities; and upcoming related forums and events.

In addition to utilizing and passing on these resources to those who need them, we are asking that you report any hate crimes or incidents to local law enforcement. We would also appreciate your sharing these incidents with our office by printing and filling out the attached Hate Crime Reporting Form and faxing it back to us at 213 687-4251.

Your support in helping us to ensure a safe and respectful community for all in this especially trying period in the aftermath of the events of September 11th are greatly appreciated.