PROTECTING RIGHTS
As more diverse groups gain influence and prominence in U.S. society, you may have noticed other groups reacting in different ways to these demographic changes. You may have seen negative effects of this tension play out in your community or other communities. When tensions boil over into crime, states vary on their implementation of laws related to hate crimes and which groups should be included in such laws. To further your understanding of hate crimes and protecting the rights of the diverse groups you may encounter in social work practice, you watch a video describing one hate crime story. Dialogue with your colleagues about hate crime laws in your state as well as your reaction to the video clip.
TO PREPARE
Watch the A Prosecutor’s Stand video in the Learning Resources and focus on the “People of the State of California v. Lionel Jackson, Maurice J. Perry” segment that tells the story of Mia Tu Mutch.
Not in Our Town. (2015, November 30). A prosecutor’s stand Links to an external site. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXLGQsD5vaU
Note: Focus on the story of Mia Tu Much, which begins at approximately the 10:15 mark in the “People of the State of California v. Lionel Jackson, Maurice J. Perry” segment.
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Describe your state’s laws on hate crimes and which groups are included in the law.
Explain whether there are certain groups you feel should be afforded special protection. Explain why or why not.
If your state does not have a hate crime law, explain how you as a social worker could advocate for such a law.
If your state does have a hate crime law, explain how you as a social worker could help advocate for similar laws elsewhere.