United States Attorney’s Office Hosts United Against Hate Meeting in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – As part of the Department of Justice’s United Against Hate (UAH) initiative, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa invited the citizens of Cedar Rapids to participate last night in a forum to discuss hate crimes and bias incidents. 

UAH is an initiative launched by the Department of Justice focused on improving the prevention of hate crimes and hate incidents by building relationships at the local level. Through this initiative, the Justice Department seeks to create and strengthen partnerships among law enforcement, community leaders and residents.

Joining in the forum were representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Linn County Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service, and the Cedar Rapids’ Civil Rights Commission. 

United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax emphasized the importance of citizens reporting hate crimes to law enforcement.  “In civil rights cases, enforcement begins with regular reporting of potential civil rights violations. The reporting of hate crimes is vital because these crimes have a devastating impact not just on the victims, but their families and communities as well.  That’s why the Department of Justice has engaged communities through the United Against Hate initiative, bringing together citizens, law enforcement, and prosecutors. However, we cannot investigate and prosecute unless such crimes are reported. Therefore, we encourage citizens to report to the Federal Bureau of Investigation or local law enforcement whenever they witness conduct they believe to be a hate crime.”

To report a hate crime to the FBI, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov, or contact your local field office.