FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AG FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1997 (202) 616-2777 TDD (202) 514-1888
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As part of President Clinton's Conference on Hate Crimes this week, Attorney General Janet Reno announced a new web-site for children devoted to issues of prejudice and discrimination. In the first week of operation the web site had nearly 10,000 hits.
"Hate crimes generate fear and divide our communities at a time when we must come together," said Reno. "I hope this new web page will promote more discussion among children, parents and teachers and help us build communities that are safer, stronger and more tolerant."
The web-page, "Hateful Acts Hurt Kids," is interactive. Children who participate are presented with hateful scenarios and asked how they would respond. In the process they learn possible consequences of each response and are given questions to stimulate further thought.
Added Education Secretary Richard W. Riley, "One of the most disheartening aspects of hate crimes, and the frustration that generates them, is that they are presence in our nation's schools- the very places that are supposed to be a source of learning and tolerance. This web page is an important educational tool which can help teach children important lessons about our national diversity and shared heritage."
At the conference, the President also announced initiatives to improve hate crime reporting, to establish local working groups on hate crimes based out of U.S. Attorney offices, and to develop and distribute a model law enforcement training curriculum.
The site is located at http://www.usdoj.gov through the KidsPage link.
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