Sussex Pride speaks out against hate crimes among young people

DELAWARE – Last weekend, five juveniles and one adult were arrested in Rehoboth Beach on numerous charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, including a hate crime.

Early Saturday morning, a Rehoboth Beach police officer was flagged down by three women who said a group of teens and a 21-year-old man were firing an airsoft gun in their direction, believing it was because of their alleged sexual orientation. Police say the suspects were later arrested without incident on Coastal Highway, confirming the victims' belief that this was indeed a hate crime.

David Mariner of Sussex Pride says this is a prime example of why young people need to be taught acceptance. “Over the last four presidential terms, hate crimes have increased, and we need to be vigilant about hate crimes, we need to be vigilant and look out for each other… I think it shows that we need to create spaces in our school systems and institutions in Delaware that make it clear that everyone is welcome.”

According to police, five of the six suspects were charged with misdemeanor assault, third-degree conspiracy, offensive touching, hate crimes and aggravated menacing. James Charleston, 21, the oldest, was charged with disturbing the peace.

David Mariner of Sussex Pride says the organisation is against this kind of behaviour but it is also for restorative justice because too often young people make mistakes – and need to learn from victims. “We believe in creating spaces where people can understand the impact of their crimes and create meaningful change… As a survivor, you can sit around a table and talk to the person who attacked you about the impact that had on you, so that person can really reflect on it and really make a decision about how they want to behave in the future. I think that's an important process for young people in particular. I think, I think we all believe and I hope, that there is space for them to learn and grow and change. That's why we do the work that we do.”

If you need help or support, David says you should definitely contact Sussex Pride.