WICHITA, KAN. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom will speak on the fifth anniversary of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crime Prevention Act Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Wichita State University.
Grissom’s speech will be titled, “Protecting Our Communities Against Violence and Bigotry." The presentation will begin at 1 p.m. in Room 209 of Hubbard Hall at Wichita State University
Five years ago, President Barack Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law. Written as a response to the brutal murders of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., the act makes it a federal crime to injure anyone because of the victim’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Grissom will talk about how the act marked a new milestone in the pursuit of the goal of equal justice for all.
The School of Community Affairs at Wichita State University is hosting the free event.
Grissom was appointed by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2010. The U.S. Attorney has three offices in Kansas - Kansas City, Kan., Topeka and Wichita - and a staff of approximately 100 employees, including about 50 Assistant U.S. Attorneys.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
