Like many in our community, the Miami-Dade County Community Relations Board, CRB, has become aware of the apparent desecration and denigration of Jewish religious items by a City of Miami police sergeant. Hate speech and hate crimes of any kind and against any race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation have no place in Miami-Dade County. They should not be condoned regardless of who is the perpetrator or the victim.

On Nov. 26, the CRB convened a discussion on hate speech in Miami-Dade to analyze the issues and explore both short-and long-term solutions to combat such acts. It was a continuation of the CRB’s efforts. Events locally and around the globe continue to show the need for such dialog - as difficult as it may sometimes be.

From unprovoked attacks on the LGBT community, to the doctoring a photograph to add a noose, to mocking accents, to acts against religious faith, the prevalence of these behaviors in our society remains alarming. The CRB is committed to standing with everyone in our community, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. We ask that those of you who feel the same do so lawfully as well.

To learn more about the CRB, please contact Miami-Dade County Community Relations Board Director Shirley Plantin, EJD at 305-375-1406.

The Office of Community Advocacy is charged with making Miami-Dade County "One Community" that embraces our diverse and unique population. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow @AdvocacyMDC on, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.