I want to thank the Tribune for its thorough coverage of the Fox Lake hate crime incident (“Racist gets prison for threats to teens,” Metro, Nov. 20). As a parent of a student at Fox Lake’s Grant Community High School, and as a parent of two younger African-American children, I am very concerned about this terrifying attack on Deona Williams. I hurt for Miss Williams, her brothers, friend and their parents, and may I express my sorrow for all they have endured. According to the Tribune, Deona’s mother has given up hope of continuing to live in Fox Lake with her family, but the successful work of the Fox Lake police and the FBI encourages me and sends a strong message to skinheads: Racist hatred and violence will not be tolerated in the Fox Lake community.
Ms. Williams, I hope you and your family find the courage to stay. We want your compassion and your family here. Let the skinheads be the ones to leave.
