State Sees Large Surge In Hate Crimes
Rise In Crimes Against Hispanics
POSTED: 5:53 pm CDT May 10,
2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Hate crimes rose dramatically in Tennessee last year, especially crimes against Hispanics and the disabled.According to a new Tennessee Bureau of Investigation report, hate crimes rose 28 percent overall between 2006 and 2007. But hate crimes against Hispanics more than doubled and those against the disabled grew from 1 to 30.Experts said the rise in crimes against Hispanics can be attributed to anxiety over the increasing number of Hispanics in Tennessee and to the poor economy, with some people blaming Hispanics for their economic problems.Most of last year's hate crimes against the disabled were thefts, forgeries and burglaries victimizing mentally disabled persons.
Donna DeStefano, assistant director of the Tennessee Disability Coalition, said the poor economy likely accounts for the increase, with criminals exploiting a vulnerable group for money.
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