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St. Cloud hate crimes forum postponed due to safety concerns

Panelists would have had the opportunity to define hate crimes, explain criminal and civil responses and discuss prevention.
Credit: Getty Images

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) and the St. Cloud Area Regional Human Rights Commission have announced they are postponing a planned forum regarding hate crimes due to safety concerns. 

The Dismantling Hate Crimes Forum was originally scheduled for Sept. 18 and was to include panelists representing the community, from law enforcement to individuals who have suffered the weight of hate crimes first hand. 

"Hate is not a value in St. Cloud or in any part of our state. Our community deserves better,” says MDHR Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. "I am heartbroken by the attempts to silence discussion on hate crimes. The goal of the forum was to discuss the community we want to create. One that is full of dignity and joy."

Panelists would have had the opportunity to define hate crimes, explain criminal and civil responses and discuss prevention.

A future forum has yet to be scheduled, but MDHR and the St. Cloud Human Rights Commission said they're working with the community to do so. 

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