The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) expresses its support for the Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer NO HATE Act which was introduced by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Dick Durbin (D-IL). Its House companion bill was introduced by Representatives Donald Beyer (D-VA) and Pete Olson (R-TX). These bills aim to raise the priority of hate crime cases, collect more comprehensive data, and open hate crime hotlines nationwide. The bills were introduced in memory of the tragic deaths of Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer, both victims of bigotry and hate.
The rise in hate crimes in the United States means increased risk to minority groups. It is no coincidence that the number of hate crimes have risen since the 2016 presidential election. With a president whose main focus is to instill fear and hatred of minority groups, bigots have become more emboldened. We have all witnessed the vitriol targeted towards the Arab community. The ADC stands against all forms of hatred, and we will continue to advocate for those affected by hate crimes. The Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer NO HATE Act is a stepping stone to healing the pain and hatred individuals face for their racial, religious, sexual, and ethnic identities. The legislation would ensure that no hate crime is left unreported.
