Capital University Law School to Continue Discussion of Hate Crimes and Recent Race-Related Events Wednesday

February 18, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Monday, Feb. 18, 2008 – The Black Law Student Association at Capital University Law School will host a discussion that examines recent race-related crimes and events from a legal and sociological perspective from 12:15-1:30 pm, Wed., Feb. 20.

The discussion will be held in room 242 of Capital University Law School, located at 303 E. Broad St., in downtown Columbus. Following is an overview of the participants and the perspectives they will offer:

• Michael Rich, professor of law at Capital University Law School, will discuss the disparate treatment of blacks and whites under criminal sentencing guidelines, for example sentencing differences in rock cocaine versus powder cocaine possession.
• Vincene Verdun, professor of law at The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, will discuss her recent study of subtle racism in everyday vernacular, which has culminated in statements made by such public figures like Joe Biden and Don Imus. She also will discuss briefly the recent rash of noose-hangings nationally.
• Dan Kobil, professor of law at Capital University Law School, will moderate the session and elaborate on the classification of noose-hanging as hate speech and the likelihood of its eventual treatment as a federal hate crime.

WHAT: “Racism Revisited: A Continued Discussion of Hate Crimes and Recent Race-Related Events from the Legal and Sociological Perspective.”

WHEN: 12:15-1:30 pm, Wed., Feb. 20.

WHERE: Room 242 of Capital University Law School, located at 303 E. Broad St., in downtown Columbus.