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“TREND TOWARD RACIAL, ETHNIC, AND RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Senate section on pages S5953-S5954 on June 19, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TREND TOWARD RACIAL, ETHNIC, AND RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to talk about a disturbing trend in this country, a trend that to me was highlighted by a recent incident in South Carolina.
This incident took place several weeks ago. I was aware of it at the time it occurred. It has been something that has been troubling to me since then, and I felt it was appropriate and important that we spread on the Record of this Senate this particular incident, which occurred while the State Board of Education of the State of South Carolina was discussing whether it could display the Ten Commandments on the walls of public schools.
During this discussion, a member of this board provided a suggestion for groups which might oppose the placing of the Ten Commandments upon school walls. A direct quote: ``Screw the Buddhists and kill the Muslims.''
Mr. President, I find it contemptible that such an arcane, bigoted statement would come from someone who is tasked with the responsibility of educating our children, a member of the board of education.
I find it even more shocking that not only would someone think this, but that they would go so far as to articulate it at a meeting of a board of education. Can we imagine what would have been the reaction to such a comment had it been directed toward Christians or Jews, Mexican-
Americans, African-Americans? I find this individual's behavior reprehensible, and while I find his behavior reprehensible, the larger issue is an increasing trend in this country toward racial, religious, and ethnic intolerance.
The Founders of this country fled persecution and intolerance in Europe and came to this country to be free from persecution, mostly religious persecution. Our country was founded on the principle of equality, and our Constitution, Mr. President--this document--which consists of just a few pages ensures freedom of religion and freedom from persecution.
In this country, we are very fortunate to have the freedoms that we have guaranteed by our Constitution. These freedoms make us the envy of the world and are the strength of our Nation.
I, however, think that, even though we have many protected rights in our Constitution, we have to speak out against individuals and especially people who are on a board of education who say, ``Screw the Buddhists and kill the Muslims.''
Because of the liberties we have in our country, this great country of the United States of America, immigrants from all over the world desire to come here and start a new life, just as our ancestors did. As a result, we are becoming a much more diverse Nation, increasingly diverse. The diversity within our Nation requires greater tolerance, patience, and a deeper level of understanding.
Mr. President, I am a member of a religion where, in the last century, significant persecution took place. People were killed as a result of their belief in the religion that I now profess. I feel that we all must speak out against religious intolerance. People who speak out about screwing the Buddhists and killing the Muslims--you know, Mr. President, in our country, sad as it might be, there are people who would follow the leadership of a person like this and proceed to do just that.
The remarks made by this school board member reflect a deep-seated racial and religious intolerance and ignorance that we should not allow to go unnoticed. This racial ignorance and lack of understanding are catalysts to intense racial intolerance.
I am concerned about the steady erosion of racial and religious tolerance in our society, and intolerance. Intolerance is often the basis for much of the crime committed in America, and it is the very essence of hate crimes. Hate crimes are those crimes committed against an individual or a group because of their convictions or their ethnicity.
In 1995, the last records we have, the Justice Department cataloged nearly 8,000 hate crimes. Those are the only ones reported; many were unreported. This number is growing at an alarming rate. Hate crime is an affront to our basic commitment to religious liberty and racial tolerance, and it poses a challenge to our entire Nation and our future as a common community.
The remarks made by this school board member are disturbing. They are indicative of an increasing racial and religious intolerance and serve only to incite maliciousness against Muslims, Buddhists, and non-
Christians in general. This school board member's comments are illustrative of the need in this country for increased understanding and patience. It is also, Mr. President, I believe, a call for us to speak out against this intolerance. It is this understanding and patience that we need to have which provides the foundation for a more tolerant America. Tolerance and understanding are crucial for us to continue fostering quality, dignity, and peace within America.
Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum. I withhold for my friend from Wyoming.
Mr. THOMAS addressed the Chair.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming.
Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak for 10 minutes.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
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