Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Americans need to learn to love, accept differences, Dees said
By Heather Christie
Staff Reporter

People are becoming more tolerant and accepting the ways of others, said Morris Dees, chief trial counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Dees revealed his concerns about tolerance, understanding and acceptance during the Gates of Chai Lectureship Monday night, “Responding to Hate: Voices of Hope and Tolerance.” The lecture series is sponsored by Brite Divinity School.

“I didn’t come here tonight in any way to put this great nation down, because I love America,” Dees said to the sold-out crowd in Ed Landreth Hall Auditorium.

Dees has spent his life railing against those who commit racially motivated crimes and has won many court cases with the non-profit organization dedicated to seeking justice.

Dees spoke of an Ethiopian man who received a scholarship to Portland Community College in Oregon. On his way home from work one night, three skinheads beat him, crushing his skull and ultimately killing him. Dees won a $12.5 million settlement for the man’s family.

Dees said Americans need to learn to love and appreciate what each person brings to the world, but he acknowledged that is easier said than done.

Diane Cooper, Brite Divinity School associate vice president for advancement, said the major point Dees expressed was that he recognizes there is hate and he wants to make a difference.

“We can each find a way in our own daily living that can make a difference,” Cooper said. “We can be kind to someone who is marginalized. We can try to include others that are not like us into our groups.”

Jessica Hartson, a sophomore ballet major, said she realized past crimes are important to learn about so mistakes won’t be repeated.

“History has a lot of important points that people tend to overlook and forget about,” she said.

W. David Nelson, Rosenthal Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies, said Dees appropriately stressed the importance of teaching tolerance.

“I don’t think that there was anything surprising in his talk today,” he said. “(The lecture) was warmly welcomed and I think (it contained) a message that benefits the communities of Fort Worth, TCU and Brite.”

Heather J. Christie
h.j.christie@student.tcu.edu