We can't fight bigotry alone. After the recent posting of flyers and other hate acts locally, WSU, the city of Pullman and the larger community have united to coordinate efforts and a series of activities in the coming year to address the incidents and raise awareness. These types of assaults are more severe, also causing more emotional harm to the victims. Two-thirds of the victims had experienced multiple attacks before deciding to report. Most of the crimes are not committed by organized groups, rather by unidentified strangers.
Hate crimes increase the potential to ignite community disorder.
According to statistics reported by law enforcement, the incidence of hate crimes in the Northwest fell in 1996. Washington recorded 199 such crimes, down 62 from 1995, and Idaho reported 72, a decline of 43 from 1995. But Wassmuth said the NWC is not sure why the decline has taken place. If fewer people are reporting the crimes, the rosy picture is not completely accurate. The NWC executive director pointed to the political arena for other indicators of climate, starting with the debate over affirmative action.