New York, NY, December 12, 1995...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on Defense Secretary William Perry to implement measures to address the problem of extremist activity by military personnel, in the aftermath of the allegedly racist-motivated murder of two African Americans by soldiers from Fort Bragg near Fayetteville, NC.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, noting that in the past "the military has responded swiftly and responsibly to curb these [hate groups'] activities," raised concern about Defense Department policies regarding extremist activity by military personnel.

"Aspects of the murder case near Fort Bragg raise some questions...about the efficacy of the Department's guidelines," Mr. Foxman wrote to Secretary Perry. Citing reports that one of the soldiers openly displayed a swastika flag in his barracks and donned Skinhead garb, Mr. Foxman

said , "If such signals of hate activity at Fort Bragg failed to trigger an investigation, then the current regulations may require clarification or more effective enforcement."

The League offered its assistance to the Department of Defense: to share its expertise on extremist groups and provide anti-bias training through its A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE INSTITUTE.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.