Most hate crimes are not committed by crazed ideologues. They are committed by fairly "normal" adolescents, seeking thrills, or responding to peer pressure. Often these students do not feel empowered in their own lives, and may find power in humiliating others.

Law enforcement organizations have identified 10 warning signs to predict school violence. These may lead to generalized violence or to violence against a particular group of students, based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, particular disability or sexual orientation.

1. There are obvious "in" and "out" groups
2. Name-calling is common
3. Charges of unfairness are not formally addressed
4. Rude or rough behavior is accepted
5. Discipline is inconsistent
6. Teachers feel afraid or under siege
7. Students feel disrespected by teachers
8. "Loners" are not recognized as being at risk
9. There is little or no public recognition for most students
10. School leadership is weak or disrespected

What you can do:

Find out where your school is by completing the Respect for Persons Profiler.

Implement the Promoting Respect, Stopping Hate computer-based training program today. Contact Partners Against Hate today to receive your free copy.