Addressing Hate in Rock Springs, Wyoming

With the rise in suicide rates in young LGBTQ populations and bias-motivated incidents emphasizing racial conversations nationwide, local municipalities have been called on to make a change to protect disadvantaged populations. Rock Springs, WY, known for one of the most extreme examples of bias-motivated incidents against Chinese American coal workers, has been noticeably slow to act. This paper recommends options for the City Council and School Board to help better protect disadvantaged populations and address the inherent issues. These measures include at-home policies, school policies, and social policies across the community that all incorporate ways to decrease LGBTQ suicide rates.