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Press Release: LULAC Asks U.S. Justice Department To Initiate Federal Civil Rights Investigation Into Hispanic Beating In Pennsylvania Town. The last beating in July led to the death of Mexican immigrant. September 15, 2008 For more information contact: Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens in response to news that another young Latino boy has been beaten in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania calls on the United States Department of Justice to open a federal civil rights investigation. The 19 year-old was allegedly waking home late Thursday night and was struck from behind. Reports mention that his eyes were bandaged up and he was abducted. He was then pushed out of the vehicle and left on the street. The boy was taken to the hospital and the authorities were contacted. He was struck with an item and his body and head blows require stitches and staples. “LULAC will be monitoring this tragic incident closely working alongside the proper authorities to make sure that justice prevails. We have seen the increase of hate crimes against Latinos in recent years by 37 percent as documented by the FBI in a report that was released last fall,” said LULAC National President Rosa Rosales. “We cannot stand by as these atrocities are committed and ask the entire community to unite.” LULAC will be sending representatives to the area to meet with community members and authorities. LULAC also called upon the local U.S. Attorney’s office to closely monitor the local investigation and prosecution. The last beating incident in Shenandoah was on July 12th which led to the death of a Mexican immigrant who was attacked in a public park by a group of white teens yelling ethnic slurs. He died two days after the brutal beating. The League of United Latin American Citizens advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide. |