It is also the official federal memorial to President Harry S. Truman. More than 656 candidates attending 332 colleges and universities competed for the 65 scholarships. D.C. Holder describes the application process as very rigorous. In addition to an oral interview and writing a number of essays, he also was required to write a policy proposal in the form of a memo to a government official who has the most authority to resolve an issue. Holder addressed a number of recommendations concerning the Hate Crime Statistics Act to Sen. Orrin Hatch, chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
Holder intends to make a difference in the area of civil rights.
Problems of disintegration and inequality, then, can no longer be understood in terms of an oppressive majority and victimized minority. It will require a new understanding of these problems in terms of groups with shared characteristics. Holder grew up in a small city, where, he says, people who were different did not disappear but became starkly visible, often resulting in dischord. These experiences are my motivation for examining identity-based groups and pursuing a related career in public service. Other experiences, such as his extensive work with children and the mentally disabled, have given him hope for the resolution of identity-based conflict.