9/18/2019 4:49:00 PM
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) and the St. Cloud Area Regional Human Rights Commission have postponed the Dismantling Hate Crimes Forum that was scheduled for today in St. Cloud due to safety concerns.
“Hate is not a value in St. Cloud or in any part of our state. Our community deserves better,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. “I am heartbroken by the attempts to silence discussion on hate crimes. The goal of the forum was to discuss the community we want to create. One that is full of dignity and joy.”
The panelists included individuals with lived experiences of hate crimes and discrimination, including Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Jaylani Hussein and Policy and Community Organizer for OutFront Minnesota Justin Lewandowski. Other panelists included St. Cloud Chief of Police Blair Anderson, Michael Melcher, FBI Supervisory Special Agent, and Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of MN (ACLU-MN) Teresa Nelson.
“We remain committed to advancing a community dialogue focused on dismantling hate crimes,” Chair of the Regional Human Rights Commission Eunice Adjei. “While the decision to postpone the forum was unfortunate, we have renewed energy to ensure this community discussion takes place.”
MDHR and the St. Cloud Human Rights Commission is working with community partners, local law enforcement, and the FBI to plan a future forum that is safe.
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