PLAINS, Pa. — Hate crimes were on the agenda Tuesday at a presentation for Wilkes-Barre Area High School students.
Representatives from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies provided information to students, highlighting the United Against Hate initiative.
"When I first heard about the assembly, they didn't say hate crimes. They just said hate, so I thought it was going to be about bullying," explained senior Ayele Kouevi. "Then later on, my English teacher said, 'hate crimes,' and I was like, 'Oh, like, you know, like racism and stuff like that.'"
Members of the U.S. Attorney's office, the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, the Luzerne County District Attorney's office, and Wilkes-Barre officials began by explaining to students what a hate crime is and how to tell them apart from other acts involving hateful actions.
"Most cases wouldn't be counted as a hate crime. It would be either a hate incident or discrimination, or it would have to go under review," explained Kouevi.
"Kind of like they have to follow a process, this and that, and sometimes, like things that they said that wouldn't even be considered an actual crime was very shocking," said senior Chavely Perez.
Those who prosecute hate crimes on a federal level explained that First Amendment rights can protect hateful speech and is not a crime.
However, students were told even if they are unsure if what they're hearing or witnessing is a crime, it's always a good idea to report it.
"Sometimes people don't know that they can report small stuff like that, but it all adds up," said Perez.
"This kind of assembly bringing awareness to that type of situation, it's very important, very useful," added classmate Nashly Pimenteo.
It's something students here hope their peers take seriously.
"I really do. I hope they do, especially with some of the stuff some of the students say here, like I hope they took it seriously," said Pimenteo.
You can learn more about hate crime identification and reporting on the U.S. Department of Justice's website by clicking here.