Hate Crimes Symposium, open to all, plus FBI opportunities and support for underserved communities

P lease join us for a Hate Crimes Symposium on April 22 facilitated by the FBI, sponsored by the HFC Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, in partnership with Student Activities and SAFE@HFC. The FBI will also be available to talk about possible career opportunities.

See the list of presenters at the bottom of this page.

Why should you consider attending?

Here’s some perspective from HFC's Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Tracye Y. Davis:

I understand why you might be skeptical about this event.

As a person of color, I have a justifiable skepticism of government agencies. I am very aware of how law enforcement has a history of “victimizing the victim.” This is one reason that people who experience crimes are hesitant to report them. They also fear that after a person from a marginalized community reports a crime, their community, neighborhood, or family might be targeted.

I am also leery of government agencies that inexplicably reach out to underrepresented communities. This unsolicited outreach sometimes feels performative, inauthentic, and masks true motivations.

But this symposium will be valuable. And I encourage you to come to this important event. Feel free to bring your skepticism and doubt. Just come.

Why is it important to learn about Hate Crimes?

There has been an exponential rise in hate crimes over the past few years. Among them are:

People of color and non-U.S. descent

There has been an emboldened increase of xenophobia (discrimination) particularly directed toward people of Middle Eastern/North African descent following the events of September 11, 2001. The same is true following the October 7, 2023 events leading to an increase in conflict Gaza.

LGBTQ+ populations

Following the Marriage Equality Act in 2011, there has been an increase in discrimination toward people in the queer/LGTBQ+ community. As more organizations make efforts to be inclusive, including providing gender neutral restrooms, recognizing preferred names, and acknowledging chosen pronouns, crimes committed toward people in the trans community have also increased.

Race, class, and caste

Our extreme political polarization, ideological differences, the 2020 “perfect storm” of the pandemic and the highly publicized George Floyd murder, has only exacerbated our already significant racial, class, and caste divide. This has allowed for some groups to feel entitled and empowered, while causing others to experience discomfort and feel unsafe.

Intersections among identities

Additionally, there are individuals within already misrepresented communities who may experience a higher level of distress due to the intersectionality directly linked to identity.

So what is this event about? Action and education for minoritized communities and everyone who cares about them

The FBI’s community liaison reached out to me about educating our community about hate crimes. I knew this was of extreme importance, but I wasn't sure if this was the right approach. And I was concerned about the potential negative consequences that interactions with the FBI may have on vulnerable community stakeholders.

I was pleasantly surprised to meet Community Outreach Specialist, Mary Jordan Abouljoud, whose intersectionality as a Middle Eastern woman working for the agency was comforting to me.

Why would a marginalized community want to work with the FBI?

Communities that are underrepresented need to become part of influential government organizations. The lens we look through matters.

There would be a higher comfort level and an increase in trust if there were more representation of people who are part of the populations being served.

The best way to change the culture is to become part of it and make changes from the inside.

Underrepresented communities often miss out on these types of opportunities. A career in the FBI could be life changing.

The FBI is looking for different types of people in different majors. You do not have to come from criminal justice or pre-law. People with different concentrations are valuable for the knowledge and lens they look through.

Questions? communications@hfcc.edu

Please join us in room 119 at the Student and Culinary Arts Center!