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Letters to the Editor

SOAH, Sussex Pride issue joint statement on incident

Speak Out Against Hate and Sussex Pride
August 23, 2024
Speak Out Against Hate and Sussex Pride stand in solidarity today following a troubling incident of hate-based violence that occurred on Aug. 17 in Rehoboth Beach. 
 
We express our heartfelt support to the three women who were directly affected by this heinous act, and commend the Rehoboth Beach Police Department for their swift response and their commitment to applying the hate crime statute in this case.
 
Hate has a profound impact on communities, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead in combating intolerance and violence. We recognize the importance of acknowledging the role hate plays in our society, as it not only affects the victims but also reverberates throughout our communities. It is heartbreaking to see how young many of the suspects in this crime are. It is our profound hope that these young people will learn and grow from this incident. Both Sussex Pride and Speak Out Against Hate do this work because we believe such change is possible, and we support the use of restorative justice whenever possible. 
 
Data from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights has shown a clear correlation between presidential campaign cycles and a rise in reported hate crimes. We are witnessing this disturbing trend, and it is crucial now more than ever for our community members to remain vigilant.
 
If you or someone you know has experienced hate bias or violence, we urge you to report it. For more information on how to report hate incidents, to go sussexpride.org/posts/reporthate. You can also reach out to the Delaware Anti-Violence Project, a program of Sussex Pride, for any questions or support. The Delaware Anti-Violence Project is dedicated to reducing violence against LGBTQ individuals and supporting LGBTQ survivors in our state. For additional resources, go to sussexpride.org/antiviolence.
 
We applaud Delaware's important step forward with the hiring of its first victim service specialist, Jenn Kutney (she/they), in the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust. Jenn will be instrumental in working with survivors of hate and bias crimes, and will collaborate closely with organizations like Sussex Pride and SOAH on awareness and education initiatives.
 
Together, let us work toward a future where everyone can live without fear of hate. SOAH will hold its next public meeting at 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12, at Lewes Public Library. Information can be found at tinyurl.com/2j4ry83f.
 
The Delaware Anti-Violence Project will hold its next public meeting at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the offices of What is Your Voice. Find details at sussexpride.org/events/davp.
 
Speak Out Against Hate
Sussex Pride

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