Hatecrimes cannot hide behind artistic & religious freedom in New Jersey

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest O. Britton

On Friday, a New Jersey jury rightfully convicted Dharun Ravi, a former Rutger's college student of using the Internet to perform a hate crime against a fellow student, and this verdict is strong message to anyone who would engage in cyberbullying. As has been demonstrated in this case, the law is a blunt instrument when addressing these issues. But even while we applaud the jury's decision, true justice for Tyler Clementi, the tortured student who committed suicide in response to the bullying, will not take place until schools, colleges, and government takes steps to protect such victims, while also protecting artistic and religious freedom. While Ravi's defenders have argued that this was a case of freedom of expression (artistic & religious included), the justice system has sent a clear message that there is no such freedom to conduct bias intimidation, invasion of privacy and hate crimes, no not in America. Thank you God.