Indiana becomes ‘Hate-Free’ zone

Sally Zellem, executive director of the Indiana County chapter of the American Red Cross, said she appreciates the idea of calling Indiana a 'hate-free' zone so much that she requested the first poster in the anti-hate campaign be hung at Red Cross headquarters on Church Street

Zellem and others were present on Wednesday as the first sign went up and copies were distributed to others to post around the area.

Michael Powers, a faculty member at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, organized the effort, which focuses on distributing signs throughout the community. The campaign has been endorsed by many community leaders, including Indiana County commissioners.

Powers said the campaign grew out of concern for friends and neighbors who are Muslim and live in Indiana. It joins with President Bush in asking people to treat all people with due respect.

In a prepared statement Powers said, 'The objective of the campaign is to provide Indiana residents with a way to show the community that they plan to continue treating neighbors fairly and with respect. We believe that most of us living in Indiana County understand that our Muslim and international friends have nothing to do with the attacks' against the country by terrorists.

'They have been grieving, as we all have. But tensions are still running high. Local Muslims and Arabs are afraid that people might be angry with them. And people who aren't Muslim or Arab are afraid to reach out - the cultural barriers that often keep us apart seem even higher right now. We hope these posters provide a way for people to make their feelings known, and to contribute to making us all feel safe again.' Powers' statement said.

Zellem said the campaign exemplifies the core principles of the Red Cross - humanitarianism, impartiality and neutrality.

Copies of the posters are available by calling the Chevy Chase Community Center at 724-463-0674.