New York, NY, January 25, 2008 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed outrage over an act of racist graffiti discovered this morning inside a Brooklyn courthouse.  The graffiti referenced Diana Johnson – the first African-American judge elected to the Brooklyn Surrogate Court – and included the 'n-word.'

Joel J. Levy, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:

We condemn this senseless targeting in the strongest possible terms.  If law enforcement confirms this horrible act was motivated by hate, we urge the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office to prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent permitted under New York's bias-crime laws.

This will send a critical message that hate crimes against any community are unacceptable, and those who commit them will pay an additional price.

Hate crime statutes have been adopted by 45 states, including New York State.  Many of those laws are based on a model statute crafted by ADL, which has long been in the forefront of national and state efforts to deter and counteract hate-motivated criminal activity.
 

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.