Denver, CO, January 29, 2008 ... Responding to press reports of allegations that a 50-year-old African American Fort Collins man was attacked and beaten by two white men because of his race, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned bias-motivated violence.

"Hate crimes are message crimes," said Bruce H. DeBoskey, ADL's Mountain States Regional Director. "Perpetrators of hate crimes send a message to their victims – and everyone else who shares the victim's characteristics – that minorities are not welcome or safe. Our communities must unite and send the opposite message loud and clear – that all people, of any color, sexual orientation, gender, ability, religion or ethnicity, are welcome, safe, protected and included in our society. Colorado is no place for hate.

 "ADL applauds the Fort Collins Police Department for its quick and responsive actions investigating this incident as a possible bias-motivated crime."