8 Quotes by Judy Shepard

When you call someone a 'fag,' it identifies them with a group, a group that in today's climate is open to harassment. So by calling someone a 'fag,' you are giving yourself and the people around you the license to either damage this individual verbally or physically.

Hate language in the school hallways is huge. These students are too often the target of name-calling, violence and worse.

Last week you said in the debate that you opposed the Kennedy hate crime bill,

We are trying to do what we think Matt would want us to do with this opportunity of having a voice. He's with me every day when I do this. I know it or I couldn't do this because I'm a shy, private person.

We are thrilled to partner with the Point Foundation and contribute to their work through the Matthew Shepard-Point Scholarships.

Every American child deserves the strongest protections from some of this country's most horrifying crimes.

The next time you use words like these, think about what they really mean.

If even one family can avoid getting that phone call, in the middle of the night, because of this legislation, it would be well worth it.