School pupils across Luton are using their artwork to challenge prejudice and discrimination as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week.
The county-wide poster competition, organised by Bedfordshire Police’s Community Cohesion Team, Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard and partners from Luton Council and neighbouring councils, encourages young people to promote inclusion, respect and community cohesion.
The competition asks pupils to consider the impact hate crime can have on individuals and communities, with winning entries being recognised during Hate Crime Awareness Week.
Mr Tizard, who helped judge the entries, said: “I am thrilled that young people have shown their commitment to inclusivity through their excellent artwork. Through their art they are sending a very important message – there is no place for hate. Congratulations and thanks to the remarkable artists!
“I implore everyone in Bedfordshire to take these young people’s lead and commit to challenging hatred and promoting respect and inclusion. Let’s make Bedfordshire a county of hope not hate for the sake of everyone especially our children and young people.”
A hate crime is an offence targeted at someone because of who they are, or who the perpetrator believes them to be. This can include hostility based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.
Sergeant Phil Boyd, from Bedfordshire Police’s Community Cohesion Team, said: “It is so important that we continue to work collectively with residents of Bedfordshire to ensure that there is no place for hate in our county. Starting with school children, we can spread the early message about tolerance and unity, and help prevent divisions from forming. It has been amazing seeing the inspiring artworks created by local children, and how simply they view the idea of community cohesion.
“During Hate Crime Awareness Week, we will continue to engage with people from the numerous communities within we serve, and help them to build the confidence in coming to report hate crime when they experience it. We know that many people do not report incidents against them which are motivated by hostility or prejudice, and we hope that our continued work within the community is helping to build that trust and confidence. We know many of our community leaders and partners will support you in making that decision to report hate to the police so please help us make sure that there is no place for hate in Bedfordshire.”
As part of his work to tackle hate crime and support victims, Mr Tizard funds Stop Hate UK, which provides an independent and confidential reporting service across Bedfordshire for people who may not feel comfortable reporting directly to police.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime can report it to Bedfordshire Police online or by calling 101. In an emergency, people should call 999.
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