Long Island Residents Concerned About Hate Crimes, 7% Are Victims Themselves

March 4th, 2009

A recent poll conducted by researchers at Sacred Heart University found that 89% of Long Island respondents are somewhat or very concerned about hate crimes on Long Island.  The poll included 200 residents of Nassau and Suffolk Counties each, 7% of whom claim to be victims of hate crimes themselves.  Reflecting on the study, Sacred Heart University political scientist Josh Klein noted that a 7% victimization rate is "alarming."  Suffolk and Nassau County police have not commented on these figures.   

Seven percent may be a high  number, but in some ways it does not come as a big surprise given the reports that were filed after the death of Marcelo Lucero in Suffolk County.  The Ecuadorean's death at the end of last year uncovered certain local teenagers' pastime of searching for "Mexicans" to harass and beat.  After the death of Lucero, police asked victims of similar attacks to come out of the shadows; the response came in in record numbers.  It therefore stands to reason that a sizable number of those polled on Long Island would allege to be victims of hate crimes.  However, as Klein notes, the numbers are "high for a democracy."  Something needs to be done to address the culture of hate that has worried Long Island residents.  Our leaders must address the surge of violence and hate that has resulted from the immigration debate and pass comprehensive immigration reform.

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