In Response to Recent Incident, State Human Relations Commission
Urges Delawareans to Eliminate Hate
August 6, 2007
Dover - On August 7, 2007 at 11 a.m., the State Human Relations Commission will be holding a news conference at the scene of hate graffiti in South Bowers Beach to remind Delawareans that hate exists in Delaware and that it cannot be tolerated.
Marian Harris, Executive Director of Dover House of Pride, and several of her residents drove to South Bowers Beach to fish. On their way, they stopped at Brockam Bridge Road, where they discovered "hate graffiti" all over the bridge.
Several days later they decided to go back to see if the hate graffiti was still there, which it was. After leaving South Bowers Beach, a red SUV pulled onto the road and tried to run the Dover House of Pride van off the road.
An "act of hate" is the violence of intolerance and bigotry, intended to hurt and intimidate someone because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
"Hate crimes are against the law in Delaware, and the State Human Relations Commission can assist in the prevention of acts of hate through education and other means" said Juana Fuentes-Bowles, Director of the Human Relations Office.
As we move forward in Delaware, headlines remind us too often that hate is real and a daily constant. One of the roles of the State Human Relations Commission is to promote a climate of understanding among racial, cultural, and ethnic groups within Delaware and to work for change.
"People become frustrated and angry if they believe the local government and other groups in the community will not protect them. Acts of hate can weaken even those communities with the healthiest race relations," said Calvin Christopher, Chairperson of the State Human Relations Commission.
The State Police reported a total of 95 hate crimes in Delaware in 2006. Still many more likely go unreported.
Directions:
South Bowers Beach is about 8 miles from 113 south. Follow 113 south pass Hetritch Car Dealership. Just pass the dealership make a left turn onto Thompsonville Road. Go down about five miles and make a right onto Brockam Bridge Road (which will be the first right after the sign). Go down about 3/4 of a mile and you will see the bridge with hate graffiti.
