[Antiracism] URGENT Hate Crime@ UMass

[Tracy Kelley]

Good Evening,       My name is Tracy Kelley, an ungraduate of UMass Amherst.
 I have received your contact information regarding an urgent matter from
Luke Ryan of Sasson Turnbull&Hoose Law Firm.  On Sunday, February 3, 2008,
Jason Vassell, a twenty-three year old African American student at the
University of Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with two counts of
assault with intent to murder and two counts of aggravated assault and
battery with a dangerous weapon.  These charges stem from an altercation
that Jason had with two white men, who were on campus for no legitimate
purpose and provoked the confrontation by smashing Jason's window
and repeatedly referring to him as a "nigger."  Although Jason never left
the dormitory, he was the only one charged at first.  While one of the
perpetrators, Jonathan Bowes, was recently charged with two hate crimes and
disorderly conduct, the other white man, Jonathan Bosse, has not been
charged as of yet.
        Supporters of Jason Vassell, such as myself, want the authorities
involved to look more into this case by reconsidering  charges that have
been made and also the charges that still have not been made.

Here is the most recent story from the UMass website:
http://www.umass.edu/newsoffice/newsreleases/articles/71594.php
Any assistance and support you can offer would be greatly appreciated,
especially towards the upcoming forum to be held on Thursday at 4pm as well
as upcoming meetings.  Please feel free to respond with any further
questions or concerns you may have.


Sincerely,
Tracy Kelley
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