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Press Release

U.S. Attorney’s Office To Co-Sponsor Diversity Forum In Commemoration Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday-Jan. 15 Program Is Tailored For Civic, Non-Profit And Community Leaders-

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia

     WASHINGTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is joining the District of Columbia government and other partners to sponsor an upcoming forum for community and government leaders on diversity and criminal justice issues.

     The free event, in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, will be from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2014. The program will be held at the old District of Columbia Council chambers, 441 4th St. NW.  The event is especially tailored for faith-based, civic, non-profit and community leaders and others who serve people in the District of Columbia.

     The program, called “Protecting Our Diversity - a Criminal Justice Forum,” will focus on addressing criminal justice issues, including hate crimes that affect the various diverse communities and affinity groups in the District of Columbia. The program will be a unique opportunity for the community to come together to discuss the issues affecting civil rights and the ways that people and organizations can work together to understand and protect them.

     U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. will deliver the keynote address. Panel discussions and speakers will cover topics such as factors in the designation of hate crimes; the impact of hate crimes and domestic violence on various communities and affinity groups;keeping houses of worship safe; the process involving visas for non-immigrant witnesses, and transgender issues. 

     Also, notable remarks and specialized knowledge will be shared by leaders and representatives in the fields that protect diversity, such as the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the Metropolitan Police Department, and other local and national community organizations. Information tables from related organizations and agencies will also provide resources and materials. 

     The event is being organized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice; the Washington, D.C. Regional Office of the Anti-Defamation League; the D.C. Hate-Bias Task Force; the District of Columbia Mayor’s Office on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs; D.C. Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs; the Metropolitan Police Department; the FBI, Casa Ruby, and the American University Law School.

     For more information, to RSVP, and/or request interpretative services or special accommodationsto attend“Protecting Our Diversity - a Criminal Justice Forum” please contact dc.outreach@usdoj.gov  or Melanie Howard at the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 202-252-6930.   The program’s location is easily accessible via Metro’s Red Line stop at Judiciary Square. 

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Updated February 19, 2015