The Collegiate Times"It's wholly expected," said Mark Potok, spokesman for the Southern Poverty Law Center. "It's no surprise to any of us."
(U-WIRE) BLACKSBURG, Va. - A new report by the FBI shows a very clear spike in hate-motivated attacks against Muslims, something experts say is not surprising.
"It's wholly expected," said Mark Potok, spokesman for the Southern Poverty Law Center. "It's no surprise to any of us."
Before 2001, Muslims were among the groups least targeted for hate crimes. Incidents against people and institutions associated with Muslims rose from 28 in 2000 to 481 in 2001, a jump largely attributed to reaction to the events of Sept. 11.
The incidence of hate crimes against Muslims is expected to ebb somewhat in the next year.
However, that may not happen if the United States pursues a war with Iraq.
– William Copsey
