California leads the way in protecting communities from hate

SAN FRANCISCO – California continues to confront a surge of hate targeting individuals because of who they are, where they are from or how they practice their faith.

CCSH Chair Russell Roybal says the annual report outlines their action plan for protecting communities from hate. CONTRIBUTED

There has been a sharp increase in reported hate activity in recent years, according to the first annual report of the California Commission on the State of Hate (CCSH).

People were attacked because they were transgender or non-binary. Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities were blamed for the COVID-19 pandemic. There were hate crimes targeting Black Californians and violence against Jews, Muslims and other people of faith.

“Each of these events can harm not only the individuals specifically targeted, but entire families, neighborhoods and communities,” said CCSH Chair Russell Roybal.

Roybal said the annual report outlines their action plan for protecting communities from hate.

Vice Chair Bamby Salcedo calls the report “an important first step to addressing the hate that Californians continue to experience.” CONTRIBUTED

“This work is key to creating a more peaceful California where all communities can flourish,” he said.

“California continues to lead the way and I am inspired by the commitment of our state and community partners in working to safeguard Californians from hate.”

CCHS was established to support state efforts to stop hate through research, policy recommendations and community engagement.

CCSH Vice Chair and TransLatin@Coalition CEO Bamby Salcedo called the report “an important first step to (addressing) the hate that Californians continue to experience.”

“It will provide a guide to the much-needed work that we are doing as a commission,” Salcedo said. “We are grateful for the support that the California Civil Rights Department has provided to ensure that we continue to address and ultimately eradicate hate in our beautiful state.”

California continues to lead the nation in protecting communities from hate, says California Civil Rights Department Director Kevin Kish. CONTRIBUTED

“California continues to lead the nation in the fight to protect the rights of all our communities,” said California Civil Rights Department (CCRD) Director Kevin Kish.

Kish has urged those who want to join the fight against hate to read the annual report and get involved by participating in community forums or promoting CA vs Hate resources.

You can report a hate incident or hate crime online at any time in 15 languages. You can also call (833) 866-4283 or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and talk to a trained civil rights agent in over 200 languages.

Outside of those hours, people can leave a voicemail or call 211 to report a hate incident and seek support from a professional trained in culturally competent communication and trauma-informed practices.