The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, in partnership with the University of the District of Columbia Law School, held an event marking the 15th anniversary of the Shepard-Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This federal law, enacted in 2009, enables federal prosecution of hate crimes based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer stated that "the Hate Crimes Prevention Act gave the Justice Department critical tools" and emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure community safety. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke expressed gratitude for advocacy leading to the Act's passage and highlighted rising hate crime statistics from the FBI.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke noted that "prosecutions alone will not eliminate hate" and stressed the importance of public education and prevention efforts. Dennis and Judy Shepard spoke about their son's legacy through the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Louvon Byrd Harris discussed her brother's murder and her family's work with the Byrd Foundation.
U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves reaffirmed commitment to addressing hate crimes: "When victims are targeted because of their identities... our Office reaffirms its commitment to hold accountable those who commit hate- and bias-related crimes."
The event also covered significant cases like U.S. v. Daqua Ritter and included voices such as Taylor Dumpson-Lippincott's experience with racially-motivated harassment.
The program featured survivors' stories including Richard W. Collins III's parents' advocacy against hate groups at colleges.
For more information on combating hate crimes, refer to the updated Hate Crimes Fact Sheet.