"Hate crime" is a modern name for a criminal act committed purely out of hostility towards certain people, groups, or organizations. Such crimes are motivated by racial, sexual, political, or other prejudice and typically involve violence. We tend to categorize crime as something for money or possessions, but hate crimes involve emotions. This makes the perpetrators especially dangerous, because any member of a targeted group can become a victim. Hate crimes have led to the emergence of laws, organizations, and federal agencies that work to counteract these senseless acts. Americans have reacted strongly to fight these crimes, with cities forming hate-crime prevention groups and Congress introducing a Hate Crime Prevention Act. This book traces the history of hate crimes, from the persecution of Native Americans, to modern cases, like the Oklahoma City bombing and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which was aimed at all Americans. Each title in this series contains a foreword from the Chairman of the National Law Enforcement Association, color photos throughout, charts, and back matter including: an index, chronology, and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader's knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.