Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) administers the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program. This program is dedicated to supporting efforts by state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecution agencies to combat hate crimes.
Goals
- Conduct outreach and educate practitioners and the public about hate crimes.
- Enhance victim reporting tools for hate crimes.
- Investigate and prosecute hate crimes based on perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.
Sponsor
The program is sponsored by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), specifically by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.[1]
Creation and Legislation
The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program was established in 2009 following the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.[2]
Funding
Funding for the program began in 2010. It has been funded annually through federal appropriations, with specific amounts varying each fiscal year. For instance, in FY 2023, $12,682,462 was awarded for 16 grants.
There is no fixed end date for funding; it depends on congressional appropriations.[3]
Leadership
The title of the leader of the program is Policy Advisor.[4]
Website
https://bja.ojp.gov/program/matrix-shepard-and-james-byrd-jr-hate-crimes-program/overview
Social Media Accounts
- No specific social media accounts are listed for the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program. However, updates can sometimes be found on the broader DOJ or BJA social media channels.
Wikipedia Article
The title of the Wikipedia article about this legislation is "wikipedia:Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act".