A mother who has turned her grief over her son�s death into a crusade against hate crimes will speak Tuesday, Jan. 30 at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Judy Shepard, the mother of Matthew Shepard, the young man who was attacked in Laramie, Wyoming and later died in Colorado in 1998 because he was gay, will appear at 7:30 p.m. in the University Center Laird Room. The address is open to the public without charge.

On Oct. 8, 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard were awakened in the middle of the night by a telephone call no parent should ever have to receive. Their eldest son, Matthew, was in a coma in a Fort Collins Hospital after being brutally attacked. The distraught parents quickly flew to Colorado to be with Matthew. He died on Oct. 12.

While the family mourned in private, the incident focused the nation�s attention on the growing epidemic of hate crimes. Vigils were held throughout the country and the Shepard family received thousands of letters of support.

In the aftermath of his death, his parents started the Matthew Shepard Foundation to help carry on his legacy. Since fighting for social justice was an integral part of Matthew�s life, the foundation �s mission includes working for gay and lesbian equality and helping to prevent hate crimes.

In May 1999, Judy testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. She also appeared in two foundation sponsored public service television spots aimed at curbing antigay violence and promoting a greater understanding of gay issues.

In September 1999, she appeared in another television public service announcement denouncing hate crimes. She also has become actively involved with Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).

Shepard is now speaking to audiences nationwide about making schools and communities safer for everyone, regardless of their race, sex, religion or sexual orientation.

"I feel Matthew with me every day, or I would not be able to do this," she says.

"We just hope we�re doing what he would want us to do. We realize that we must use the voice his death has given us. We get so complacent in our lives that we forget not everyone is safe, and frequently, it is our children who aren�t safe."

Shepard�s visit to UWSP is sponsored by Centertainment Productions, Student Affairs, Student Government Association, Residential Living and Academic Affairs.

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sclanton/vc/Judy Shepard