Lesson Plan

Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act

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This Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act lesson plan also includes:

You, too, can prevent hate crimes! Middle and high schoolers read short biographies of Mathew Shepard and James Byrd, the two men for whom the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HCPA) is named. After learning about how these murders escalated, class members examine the Pyramid of Hate infographic and consider actions they could take to prevent hate crimes.

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CCSS: Designed
Instructional Ideas
  • Have groups investigate the hate crimes laws in their state and report their findings
Classroom Considerations
  • 2024 will be the 10th anniversary of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act 
  • Requires a projection device for the video and the infographic, as well as copies of two documents
Pros
  • Includes a teacher's guide for the "Imagine a World Without Hate" video and links to additional readings
Cons
  • None
Common Core