NAACP Demands Severe Punishment For San Jose Hate Crimes

An emotionally charged hate crime that occurred at San Jose State University has civil rights activists demanding a harsher punishment for the three suspects involved.

Last week, we learned of the three students who allegedly terrorized their 17-year-old African American roommate, calling him various racial slurs including “three-fifths,” and putting a bike lock around his neck. The teens were arrested and face a year in prison if convicted.

The students, Logan Beaschler, 18, of Bakersfield; Joseph Bomgardner, 19, of Clovis; and Colin Warren, 18, of Woodacre — are charged with misdemeanor hate crime and battery, the Santa Clara district attorney’s office said. Beaschler was booked in the Santa Clara County Jail on Thursday, with bail set at $15,000.

According to The LA Times, local NAACP chapter president Reverend Jethore Moore II is demanding that the teens face a harsher sentence, including felony hate-crime and false imprisonment in the case.

“This is not simple hazing or bullying,” Reverend Jethroe Moore II, president of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP, said in a statement. “This is obviously racially based terrorism targeted at their African-American roommate.”

Students have begun protesting on behalf of the victim, and putting together a public forum about racial tolerance. University president Mohammad Qayoumi will speak on the case on Monday.

We’ll keep you updated on the latest developments.

SOURCE: LA Times | PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY