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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2001

Republican lawmakers in Alaska don't see themselves playing a large role in getting rid of racism in their state, particularly because some of them feel it doesn't really exist.

Lawmakers are expressing doubts about reforms offered by Gov. Tony Knowles (D) in a report he issued on Thursday. The report lists 100 recommendations -- including actions for the Legislature such as a hate crimes bill and increased rural education funding -- which were based on meetings a special governor's commission held throughout the state.

Knowles created the panel after three White males, including two minors, targeted Alaska Natives on the streets of Anchorage will a paint-ball gun. They videotaped their actions and were overheard making racist and deragatory statements.

One has since been sentenced on minor assault charges. The status of the two boys is unknown.

Knowles' report can be found on his Commission on Tolerance web site.

Get the Story:
Skepticism meets report on tolerance (The Anchorage Daily News 12/7)
Alaska panel recommends list of racism reforms (AP 12/7)

Relevant Links:
Alaska Commission on Tolerance - http://www.gov.state.ak.us/tolerance

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