Stand up against hate

A marked increase in reported hate crimes can mean more of these offenses have been perpetrated or that more victims of these crimes are coming forward.

Either way, an increase in the number of reported hate crimes in Utah is cause for reflection. In 2007, Utah had 55 hate crimes involving race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity and disability. That's 20 more reported crimes than in 2006.

While it is difficult for most people to conceive of the hatred behind bias crimes, a disturbing number of these crimes occurs each year. Nationwide, 7,621 single bias incidents were reported in 2007.

This year, there have been two high-profile threats by white supremacists against Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Some experts fear that Obama's presence on the national stage will embolden these hate groups.

Earlier this week, federal authorities announced charges against two white supremacists who allegedly plotted a national killing spree targeting black people, ultimately targeting Obama. Federal authorities said the defendants planned to kill 88 people, 14 by beheading.

In August, days before Obama accepted his party's nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, police arrested three men with white supremacist ties for possibly threatening him.

According to the new FBI report, hate crimes nationwide dropped slightly between 2007 and 2006. However, the FBI reported crimes against Hispanics increased for the fourth consecutive year and crimes based on sexual orientation rose 5.5 percent.

The FBI provides only a statistical report of these reports. It is important to study these trends. A rise in attacks against Hispanics, for instance, may be tied to the anti-immigrant sentiment felt in many communities that have experienced a large influx of undocumented workers in recent years. Law enforcers must be vigilant about the proliferation of hate crimes against this segment because undocumented workers will be particularly hesitant to contact police.

Likewise, a local advocate for gay, lesbian and transgender people say they, too, may hesitate to report crimes because they fear they will by "outed."

Individuals, communities and the nation need to take a collective stand against crimes motivated by any form of prejudice. Law enforcement must encourage all victims of hate crimes to come forward so that the perpetrators of these offenses can be held to account.