BIAS CRIME FORUM SET THURSDAY

SIKESTON -- The Missouri Commission on Human Rights will sponsor a "Bias Crime Forum" at the Sikeston Inn Thursday.

The program will be held from 7-9 p.m. The commission defines bias crimes as hate vilence which is perpetrated for the sole reason of racism and hatred toward a person or group due to their race, religion, national origin or andicap.

Al Plummer, executive director of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, will provide the introductions and John Mack, commission vice chairman, will serve as moderator.

Discussion will center on incidents and solutions to bias motivated crimes and housing issues.

Guest speakers include: Patric E. Purdy, program manager for the community relations board in the city of Cleveland, Ohio; Bill Whitcomb, conciliation specialist with the U.S. Department of Justice, community relations service in Kansas City, Mo.; and Jonnie Cassell, Equal Opportunity Specialist with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.