CIVIL RIGHTS TEAMS PREVENT BIAS MOTIVATED HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE

April 23, 2004

APRIL 23, 2004

CHARLES DOW, DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, 207-626-8577

 

           One day after a legislative proposal modeled after Maine’s Civil Rights Education and Enforcement program won a major victory in Rhode Island (see story at http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2004/04/22/rhodeislandcommitteeapprovescreatingcivilrights_advocate/ size=3>), Attorney General Steven Rowe highlighted the excellent work of school-based civil rights teams around the State.  

           Over 200 teams are working to combat hate violence, prejudice, harassment, and bias in Maine schools.  Students learn intervention and peer education strategies to reduce intolerance and build an understanding of the Maine Civil Rights Act in their communities.  Civil Rights Teams are made up of students, teachers, and community advisors who work together to create a safer environment for all students and to lower the incidence of hate language.

           The teams receive training and support from the Attorney General’s Office at an annual statewide conference and at regional trainings.  Assistant Attorney General Thomas Harnett is the Director of Civil Rights Education and Enforcement.

           “It is important to end Victims’ Rights Week on a hopeful note, and nothing gives greater reason for hope than the changes in attitudes that result from Civil Rights Team work,” said Attorney General Rowe.  “That work not only makes schools safer today, it will make our State safer for a long time to come.”

 

Note: This is the last of four press releases related to National Victims’ Rights Week.  Please see our website www.maine.gov/ag for previous Victims’ Rights Week press releases.

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