‘United Against Hate’ event sponsored by Justice Department and FBI to be held in North Idaho

A U.S. Department of Justice initiative “United Against Hate” summit is to be held Nov. 14 at the Heartwood Center in Sandpoint.

The event is co-sponsored by U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, the Boundary County Human Rights Task Force, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, DOJ Community Relations Service and the FBI, according to a press release from the District of Idaho United States Attorney’s office. 

The release said the initiative is focused on “improving efforts to combat hate crimes and hate incidents through relationship building at the local level.”

Through this effort, the U.S. Attorney’s office says it is seeking to create and strengthen trust and partnerships among law enforcement, community leaders and residents.  

Well‑attended summits have also been held in Coeur d’Alene, Caldwell, Boise, Ketchum and Pocatello, according to the release. 

“In my view, this initiative is particularly timely for Idaho, as we have experienced a series of troubling hate incidents throughout the state in the past several years,” Hurwit said in the release. “I look forward to meeting community members and hearing different perspectives on how we can work together to unite our community in standing up to unlawful hate.”

The event is free and open to the public. Those interested can register online.