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Statement

Statement by LULAC President Hector M. Flores Calling for the U.S. Department of Justice to Investigate the Appearance of Hate Crimes in Houston, Texas and Springdale, Arkansas.

“LULAC has asked the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate the apparent pattern of hate crime on Hispanic youth”.

May 1, 2006

Contact: Lizette Jenness Olmos
202-833-6130 ext. 14

Washington, DC - LULAC National President Hector M. Flores made the following statement today in response to the recent wave of racially motivated attacks on Hispanics:

“We will pursue any and all violations of civil rights to the full extent of the law. Hate crimes like this one are unacceptable and must be dealt with severely as prescribed by the law,” said LULAC National President Hector M. Flores, “We are certain that federal jurisdiction applies in this case and we have asked the Department of Justice to investigate hate crimes and prosecute those responsible to the full extent of the law. What has transpired in Texas and Arkansas is a grave assault on our community.”

LULAC has asked the Department of Justice to review the beating of a 16-year-old, a former Klein Collins football player, who is listed in critical but stable condition at Memorial Hermann Hospital. In addition to massive internal injuries, head wounds and a carving mark on his chest, prosecutors revealed that he has what appear to be cigarette burns on his back.

There is also a case in Arkansas that we are monitoring of a 16-year-old boy, a student of Springdale High School who was attacked after three boys shouted racial slurs at him. This case is being investigated by authorities as battery.

The attack in Texas has shocked people nationwide. Authorities said the victim, who is Hispanic, was hurled with ethnic slurs during the assault, which occurred after he was accused of trying to kiss a 12-year-old girl. According to Harris County sheriff detectives, the victim was left naked on the ground for hours without help.

Organizations such as the NAACP and the Anti-Defamation League have come out joining LULAC on this issue. LULAC is continuing to look into this matter and will assist the Department of Justice and FBI wherever necessary

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