Track hate crimes against Sikhs, Hindus: US Justice dept to FBI
of human kind, its members have reacted with the best of human kind – with courage, compassion and strength," he added.
Perez noted that while the attack on the Oak Creek gurdwara was a "crime driven by hate," bullying and harassment of Sikh children also remains a serious problem.
"Schools are not permitted to turn a blind eye. The division is committed to using the federal civil rights laws to ensure that schools are providing all students with the equal educational opportunities to which they are entitled.
Bullying is not a rite of passage, and every student has the right to go to a safe and bully-free school," he said.
Perez also spoke with school students encouraging them to speak out about the problems they face.
The shooting carried out by Page was "sadly" not a stand alone hate crime, he said, adding that the Justice Department would continue to combat hate crimes committed against Sikhs and Muslims wherever they occur.
"Visiting the gurdwara, the overwhelming message I took back from the congregation is one of unity ¿ a resolve to work together, with members of every faith to foster understanding, and to ensure that such tragic acts of violence are never repeated," he said.
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