Denver, Colo., March 13, 2008 ... Responding to press reports that a bi-racial student at Creekside Middle School in Monument was allegedly taunted with racial slurs by classmates, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned bias-motivated harassment and bullying in schools, and called for a swift and thorough investigation of the incident.

ADL Mountain States Regional Director Bruce H. DeBoskey issued the following statement:

Racial harassment and bullying have no place in our schools because they interfere with every student's fundamental right to a safe learning environment. We encourage school and law enforcement authorities to investigate this incident thoroughly, and hold accountable anyone who has created an unsafe environment.  As a state, we must unite and send this 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.

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.