Issues surrounding racism and promoting diversity in the community were discussed Monday night as “Not In Our Town,” a forum for the prevention of hate crimes, met in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

The forum began with a video entitled “Not In Our Town II,” a sequel to “Not In Our Town,” which helps illustrate the issue of hate crimes in local communities across the nation, including how civic members have come together in an effort for change.

“Not In Our Town,” released to the community in 1995, generated rallies, teams to help rebuild churches burned down by hate groups, and community task forces who address hate violence at the community level.

“Not In Our Town II” included a mix of stories from communities around the country and discussed how “Not In Our Town” sparked interest in communities such as Bloomington, where the documentary told of hate crimes beginning to brew.

Following the screening of “Our Town II,” there was a question-answer session pitted at a panel including Charleston Mayor Dan Cougill, active community members, local police, Student Government members, international students, professors, administrators and RSOs.

Alison Mormino, University Board Lectures coordinator, took questions from the audience and relayed them to the panel.

Most of the documentary surrounded the issue of church burnings in the south and other areas scattered about the country. As for racism and hate crimes in Charleston, a higher range of topics was discussed.

The comments started after a brief introduction from each of the panel members.

Sarah Newton, co-president of Pride, a group for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered individuals, said violence is an issue on campus and reminded people of an incident with a fraternity a few years ago.

Yve Williams, student vice president for student affairs, who is responsible for Charleston declaring April “Diversity Month,” expressed how it is difficult for minority students to find products, like hair care and ethnic food, geared toward them in Charleston.

Mayor Dan Cougill, encouraged minority students to make out a list of products unavailable in the area which pertain to certain students’ cultures.

Police faced some scrutiny over racial profiling issues including one accusation of them stopping a high percentage African American community members.

Both Lt. Adam Due of the University Police Department and Charleston Police Chief Ted Ghibellini, assured the audience that they “stop whoever fits the description” over the wire and that they are willing to work to help any member of the minority community who expresses a concern.

Shermann Thomas, president of the Eastern chapter of the NAACP, said the event was positive, while expressing some concern.

“First it was a great idea, but I think the panel gave the illusion that there are no problems in Charleston, and are sugar-coating their answers,” Thomas said.

Another issue was the discrimination some Middle Eastern students are facing after the September 11 attack.

Cynthia Nichols, director of the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity said, “Support the person who may be victimized, and report it to the appropriate office…if you see something, it is your responsibility to report it.”