UNLV event to take look at hate crimes

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Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1998 | 10:55 a.m.

The recent killing of a gay University of Wyoming student has generated nationwide concern over the issue of hate crimes.

In response, Campus Community Development at UNLV will host a panel discussion Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Classroom Building Complex A112.

Program coordinator Phil Burns says the purpose of the discussion group is to "make sure our community knows the status of hate crimes in Nevada."

Those slated to appear on a panel discussing the issue include Elgin Simpson, with the Nevada Supreme Court Task Force on Racial and Economic Bias; Rochelle Sax, with the UNLV Public Safety Department; Lee Plotkin, Las Vegas gay political columnist; Metro Police Capt. Terry Lesney; and a representative of the Clark County District Attorney's office.

The discussion will be moderated by Michael Bowers, a professor in the UNLV Political Science Department.

There will be an open question period after the panel discussion.

Matthew Shepard, 21, died after being tied to a wooden fence post in near-freezing temperatures outside Laramie, Wyo.

Police have said robbery was the primary motive for the attack. But gay rights groups and others assailed the beating and called on Wyoming legislators to adopt laws to deter crimes against homosexuals.