[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/9/files/audio/2007/Podcast_NYPulse_05_20071105.mp3]

The number of hate crimes in the city this year has reached more than 200 — a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. More than half of hate crimes nationwide are based on the victim’s race, followed by religion and sexual orientation.

Dr. Basil Wilson, Professor in Residence at the CUNY Graduate Center’s Sociology Department and Mariela Palomino Herring, Assistant Queens District Attorney in charge of the office’s Gang Violence and Hate Crimes Unit, join us in our studios.

Producer: Chika Osaka

Reporters: Jego Armstrong, Djenny Passe-Rodriguez