Could you tell me if this a hate crime?

Question

Okay its a long story but please continue reading. Today at football practice some of my team mates were making fun of a kid. The kid being made fun of had his shirt tucked in really tight with his pants pulled up. Okay here is where it gets weird, some of my retarded team mates made fun of him by pulling their shorts up really high, the kid being made fun of got mad and told his dad. His dad came over and told us the kid the team was making fun of was sorta of special and stuff, and he said that this was a hate crime making fun of him. He said the next time this happend law suites would be made. I couldnt believe it. Is it possible for him to actually sue us for this.? - Cody

Answer 1

anyone can sue for almost anything but can they win their case. i don't think so but you should stand up for any injustice to anyone whether they are special or not

Answer 2

It's not a hate crime because it doesn't involve race, religion, gender or sexual preference.  Being a nerd doesn't fall into any of those categories.

I doubt he'd have grounds to sue, but as long as there's a lawyer who likes money, there can always be the possibility of going to court.

Answer 3

Not so much as a hate crime as harassment.

Answer 4

more along the lines of bulling the kid,but all you have to do is watch the news and see what some kids who get bullied do sometimes,i.e. colobine

Answer 5

I love that he's a special needs kid and you used the word "retarded" when referring to his friends.

Answer 6

Well, they didn't know he was "special", right?  So, I guess it technically wouldn't be a hate crime.  Although, if he wasn't "special" he wouldn't have been made fun of...it wasn't hateful toward his condition.  Is it a hate crime?  Doubt it. It's actually just cruel and mean.  

Answer 7

If he was retarded then yes.

Answer 8

It probably isn't a hate crime, but it certainly is a hateful thing to do.  What's the matter with these bozos?  Don't they have any feelings?  How would they like it if people did the same thing to them?  Making fun of other people is way uncool.  I think your coach should talk with these morons about what they're doing here.  It's not right.