Despite a Decade of Promise, Minorities of Montana Town Face Discrimination

December 7, 2003

Source: The Billings Gazette

http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&tts=1&display=rednews/2003/12/07/build/local/30-ourtown.inc

On December 7, 2003 The Billings Gazette reported on the persistent discrimination against minorities in Billings despite a decade of activism. According to the Gazette, "Ten years ago, a string of hate crimes in Billings singled out Blacks, Indians, Jews, homosexuals and others. The harassment peaked with a chunk of cinderblock being thrown through the window of a Jewish family's home. The home was targeted because the family's 5-year-old son was celebrating the coming Jewish holidays by decorating his bedroom window with Stars of David and a menorah. During the next two weeks numerous Christian churches in Billings and as many as 10,000 residents displayed menorahs in their windows. Within weeks, the crime spree subsided. The community's swift response garnered national praise and still fills many residents with a sense of pride, although there is still work to do, some say." Recently, a tepee set up at Rocky Mountain College to celebrate American Indian Week was destroyed by someone who slashed it with a knife. In addition, a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and released earlier this month said more than a fourth of American Indians in Montana who try to rent housing are discriminated against.