Bay Area Community Leaders Urge Tolerance in Wake of War in Iraq

March 27, 2003

Source: The Tri-Valley Herald

http://www.trivalleyherald.com/Stories/0,1413,86~10669~1274448,00.html

On March 27, 2003 The Tri-Valley Herald reported that "in an attempt to curb backlash against Arabs and South Asians as America's war with Iraq continues, police and city leaders issued a joint statement Wednesday saying they will not tolerate hate crimes... Police chiefs from Fremont, Union City and Newark [CA] said all crimes committed against Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and others because of their race or religion will be investigated aggressively... Despite fears that may exist, victims of abuse have a right and a duty to contact police, Fremont Police Chief Craig Steckler told two dozen reporters, civil rights leaders and community members at City Hall."