CRS Participates in Annapolis Human Rights Day for Community Solidarity

On February 5, 2024, staff from the Community Relations Service (CRS) attended Human Rights Day in Annapolis, Maryland, an event organized by the Maryland Association of Human Rights Agencies.

During this event, CRS’ Lead Conciliation Specialist Denise Nazaire served on a panel titled, “Addressing Hate Crimes and Hate Bias Incidents.” This panel was moderated by Cleveland L. Horton II, the Deputy Director for Maryland Commission of Civil Rights. Other panelists included Johnathan M. Smith of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and Jennifer Frederick of the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Maryland.

CRS provided an overview of the services and support we make available to jurisdictional communities combatting hate crimes and bias incidents.

For example, our Bias Incidents and Hate Crimes Forum educates community members and law enforcement about the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, as well as state and local hate crimes laws. This program brings together local and federal law enforcement, district attorneys, civil rights organizations and community organizations in discussions.

The goal of this forum is to share information on strategies to effectively address and respond to bias incidents and hate crimes.

To learn more about CRS’ Bias Incident and Hate Crimes Forum, visit https://www.justice.gov/crs/our-work/facilitation/bias-incidents-hate-crimes.