Idaho’s U.S. Attorney visits Pocatello

Hate CDs, home invasions, and burglaries are just a few recent examples of hate crimes against international students at Idaho State University, specifically Middle Eastern students.

Thursday, Idaho’s U.S. Attorney Wendy Olson addressed these crimes at a press conference in Pocatello.

Olson spoke about recent terrorist attacks in Brussels, Paris and San Bernardino. She said backlash events like these are often the most dangerous because they spark more fear and anxiety, which she said typically leads to more violence.

Olson also spoke about unreported hate crimes. She encouraged anyone who feels they are a victim of a hate crime to report it to the proper authorities.

Olson addressed recent crimes against Muslims in Pocatello and said the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI are prepared to investigate and to prosecute those responsible.

Her biggest message was to encourage the community to stick together and stand up against crimes like these.

“I have a real interest in the ongoing health and safety of this community in particular because I will always view it as my home,” said Olson. “So I hope that all of you will stand with each other most importantly.”

Many Kuwaiti and Saudi Arabian students are threatening to leave ISU because of recent threats. The Gulf News states Kuwaiti’s higher education minister will no longer give scholarships to ISU because of ongoing racial discrimination. He said about 400 students face racial discrimination. The Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission also told the Gulf News it will be suspending scholarships to ISU.

Local city and school officials in Pocatello agree that international students are a benefit to the community. They said that even though some people target these students, it doesn’t mean the entire community is against them.

Abdullas Bokuvar, a Kuwaiti student, at ISU, said there’s a strong stereotype about Middle Eastern students.

“The government thinks that all international students are the same,” he said. “Like, if one did some mistake, all international students are not as good students.”

But with recent hate crimes, that stereotype almost appears to go the other way too. The crimes almost paint Pocatello as an entirely racist community.

Pocatello’s Chief of Police, Scott Marchand, said it’s not everyone in the community. It doesn’t matter to most people if someone is international or not, and that includes his police force.

“I have international students say ‘we’re being targeted’ or ‘you’re picking on us for traffic,’ so when I talk to my guys (and ask them) ‘are we interacting with them more than anybody else?’ (They say) no, not really,” said Marchand.

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad said it’s not the entire community who feels the hatred to commit these crimes.

Blad said the community should value its international students because of the culture they bring. He doesn’t want to see that go away.

“If you want to wipe away all the diversity out of a community, then you’re going to have a very narrow-minded and very narrow-focused people,” said Blad.

“It’s a tremendous richness that enhances not just the university, but the entire community so that people can understand someone who may come from a different situation and it just makes life more rich and better for everyone,” said Kent Tingey, ISU’s vice president of advancement.

Officials hope international students will remain a part of Pocatello’s community.

“Could we do more? I think we can always do more,” said Marchand.

Blad said if the international students do leave ISU, it could cost the city between $300 million and $400 million per year.