Individual sections explain the nature and incidence of hate crimes, discuss the seven characteristics that distinguish it from other crime against persons and property, and examine the three causes that can best be addressed through school-based strategies. The discussions note that youth hate crime is more common than hate crime committed by adults and emphasize that schools have a crucial role in reducing hate crime. The second section of the book provides materials for use by schools and central district offices and collaborative agency personnel. Included are a sample school board policy, considerations for curriculum in all grades from kindergarten through high school, descriptions and contact information for 10 sample programs, sample administrative guidelines, a checklist for determining whether an incident is a hate crime, a school survey, and a list of resource organizations. 63 references