Staff Reports
In some infuriating news, a court in Connecticut has dropped hate crime charges against a white woman who decided to spit on a Black woman during counter-protests last year. Yuliya Gilshteyn, the offender in question, was protesting COVID-19 restrictions like the anti-science warrior she is, while Keren Prescott, the victim, was there representing the important movement of Black Lives Matter. The two crossed paths, and Gilshteyn thought it would be a great idea to spit in Prescott’s face. Classy move, Yuliya.
But wait, it gets worse. This despicable act of hatred was caught on camera and went viral on social media, and yet, Gilshteyn’s charges were dismissed because she completed a measly 100 hours of anti-hate training. Wow, the court really showed us how seriously they take hate crimes. I guess if you want to avoid punishment for a hate crime, just sign up for a quick online course and call it a day.
Hate crime charges dropped against white protester who spat on Black woman https://t.co/zwZIjRMEau
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) July 23, 2023
The judge, Sheila Prats, defended this joke of a decision by calling it “accelerated rehabilitation” because it was Gilshteyn’s first offense. Hey, Judge Prats, how about recognizing the emotional and psychological impact Gilshteyn’s disgusting act had on Prescott? Maybe you should consider the message you’re sending to other potential offenders by letting this slide.
Of course, Prescott wasn’t pleased with the outcome, calling yet another failure of the justice system. And you know what? She’s absolutely right. The justice system continues to let down Black and brown people, leaving them feeling powerless and unheard. This incident is just another example of the rampant inequality within our legal system.
Connecticut, with its not-so-impressive record of 58 hate crimes reported in 2021, better start taking these issues more seriously. The fact that over 70% of these hate crimes were racially motivated should be a wake-up call for everyone. Clearly, there’s still a lot of work to be done in combating racism and ensuring justice for all. It’s time for us to demand better.
