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.

Concepts

bias, hate crimes, homophobia, gender bias, post-traumatic stress disorder, stereotypes, discrimination, identity, prejudice

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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

CCRA.R.1 CCRA.SL.1