Community Response to Hate

1 | Report Hate

Nearly two-thirds of hate crimes go unreported to law enforcement.

Reporting a Hate Incident

Hate crimes and hate incidents are notoriously underreported. Community leaders may be reluctant to report incidents for public affairs reasons, and those targeted by hate may not be comfortable doing so. However, for hate crimes to be most effectively addressed, an accurate public record is imperative.

If you are not comfortable reporting to law enforcement find a trusted intermediary or a community group to support you in this process.

Actions:

If you're comfortable going to law enforcement, file a police report either in person or by phone with the local agency where the incident occurred. Ask for the responding officer’s name and badge number. If you are not comfortable reporting to law enforcement, find a trusted intermediary or community group to support you in this process. You can also share your story at communitiesagainsthate.org.
If you believe the incident was motivated by bias, confirm with the officer that the official police report accurately records the incident as a hate crime.
In the report, tell the responding officer all of the details of the incident you recorded or remember, including the perpetrator’s gender, age, height, race, weight, clothes or other distinguishing characteristics. If any threats or biased comments were made, such as racial slurs or anti-gay epithets, include them in the report. Take photos or document any property damage and bias and/or hate messages before they are removed.
Follow up with the officer to make sure an incident report was filed and to obtain a copy of the report and case number.
In addition to contacting your local law enforcement agency, also contact your local FBI field office and provide the same information. For a list of FBI Field Offices, visit https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices.

57.6%

of hate crime incident victims were targeted because of the offenders’ bias against race, ethnicity or ancestry.

U.S. Department of Justice FBI Hate Crime Statistics, 2019

The Problem of Hate in Communities

Hate requires a visible and swift response. Hate groups and perpetrators are seeking violence and a media spotlight to spread their message. Don’t let them set the agenda. Understand the complex and painful responses to hate groups and hate and bias crimes, and remind your community that an attack on one is an attack on all. Remain vigilant and committed to non-violence and the visible rejection of hate, racism, and bigotry.

Threats, bullying, racial slurs and violence deeply affect targeted individuals, their friends and family and entire communities.

Hate groups and the violence they foment have created a dangerous environment in many communities throughout the country, but they can be stopped. Any concerned individual can mobilize their community to create an atmosphere that rejects hate and makes all residents feel safe and welcome.

hate_groups_map_-_splc.png

Southern Poverty Law Center - Tracking Hate Groups Map

The Southern Poverty Law Center uses interactive maps to track active hate groups across the United States. Learn more at the Hate Watch blog.

"All hate groups have beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people, typically for their immutable characteristics."

—Southern Poverty Law Center

Why Report Hate? Community Stories

LITD_Joselo_speaks_May8_Vigil_web.jpg

Joselo Lucero on the 6-month anniversary of Marcelo Lucero's death.

Hate doesn’t occur in a vacuum, and for far too many communities, it is not new. To some, hate incidents may appear isolated; however, these acts are often a symptom of deeper societal issues. In order to create an environment where people of diverse backgrounds and identities are safe, it is important that community leaders not just react when a hate incident occurs. Communities must take proactive steps to identify policies and practices that perpetuate systemic discrimination and enact procedures to prevent future hate incidents. Here are some examples of effective community responses to hate:

Location: Patchogue, New York

Incident: Hate incidents targeting immigrants in Suffolk County, New York had been occurring for years, but a series of attacks by high school students against Latino residents in Patchogue, NY culminated with the 2008 murder of Marcelo Lucero, an Ecuadorian immigrant who had lived in the Long Island village for 13 years.

Action: Mayor Paul Pontieri, the victim’s brother, Joselo Lucero, and Patchogue residents sought to openly address the underlying causes of anti-immigrant violence, and began taking steps to ensure everyone in their village would be safe and respected. Faith leaders opened their houses of worship for discussion and as safe places for immigrants to surface hate incidents. Art projects promoting inclusion emerged in school and community settings. The Village Trustees passed a resolution stating that anti-immigrant rhetoric not only harms targeted groups but "our entire social fabric." The Suffolk County Police Department assigned two Spanish-speaking officers to Patchogue, including Officer Lola Quesada. As community liaison, Officer Quesada appeared on talk radio to inform immigrants about their rights and encourage them to report hate attacks to police.

Location: Bloomington, Minnesota

Incident: An improvised explosive device rocked the Dar Al Farooq Islamic Center as congregants gathered for morning prayers.

Action: Hundreds of people gathered at the Center after the mosque was targeted. Faith and civic leaders joined community members to fill a soccer field behind the Center and stood in solidarity with their Muslim neighbors. Rep. Tim Walz addressed the crowd, “To the children who are here, the message you are hearing from your neighbors is, you are cherished, you are loved, you are Minnesota and you are America.” Days earlier, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton came to the site and denounced the attack as a “terrible, dastardly, cowardly” “act of terrorism.” A GoFundMe page was also set up and raised over $70,000 from 1800 supporters in a matter of days to repair the damaged community center and mosque.

Location: Bedford, Massachusetts

Incident: Anti-Semitic incidents occurred in Bedford, MA schools in 2014, including graffiti and bullying.

Action: The school principal went on a morning television show to address the incidents and urged everyone in the school to come together for a meeting. Teachers and students met after school to discuss the situation and discovered that the hate ran deeper than the recent incidents. Bedford Schools Superintendent Jon Sills sent an open letter to parents strongly condemning the incidents, opening a dialogue, and affirming Bedford as a community that refuses to tolerate hate. The Bedford Police Chief Robert Bongiorno also worked with Rabbi Susan Abramson and school leaders to ensure community safety.

27%

of hate crime incidents reported to the FBI in 2016 happened in or near residences.

FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Hate Crime Statistics 2016

Document a Hate Incident Here

2 | Leadership

For community leaders: what to do when a hate group comes to town.

How to be an Ally and Take Action

'It Means the Absolute World to See a Community Band Together Like This' - Not In Our Town

In O'Fallon, Missouri — a largely white suburban community — a group of recent high school graduates organized a demonstration for Black Lives Matter in the weeks after George Floyd was killed by police. They thought that maybe a couple hundred people would show up, but instead found support from nearly 2,000.

Stand up to hate by gathering diverse community members and working in partnership with school, city, and law enforcement leaders.

Convene diverse city, faith, school, community, and law enforcement leaders to make a plan for safety and effective response to hate. Develop a communications strategy.
Reach out and support impacted individuals and communities:
- Listen to concerns, assist with their needs, respect requests for privacy.
- Engage with diverse local organizations that support targeted groups.
Be Visible in your stand against hate.
- Encourage individuals and local businesses to support all residents and post signs against hate.
Engage the community:
- Hold visible anti-hate events:
  - Make your opposition visible, but avoid direct confrontations with hate groups that will allow them to start fights or appear to be victims. To prevent violence, don’t be in the same place at the same time. At minimum, work with law enforcement to create safe distance between hate groups and anti-hate protesters.
  - Involve large numbers of people so your events are more substantial and powerful than hate group rallies. Leverage school, faith, and civic groups to get the word out;
  - Create a safety team to work with counter protesters who plan to go where hate groups are present. Train your safety team in self defense tactics.
  - Engage youth as non-violent leaders and spokespeople.
- Organize community teach-ins and gatherings. Examples:
  - Screen a Not In Our Town film to spark dialogue and discuss action steps. Find films and discussion guides at: niot.org/videos;
  - Hold a facilitated town hall meeting. Elicit community concerns. Have people seek and share solutions;
  - Sponsor interfaith events and community service projects;
  - Use social media platforms to update and engage the community.
Hold government officials and law enforcement accountable:
- Ask officials to use their power and voices to engage with concerned residents;
- Encourage them to join efforts, rapidly respond, and denounce hate;
- Form a liaison team with law enforcement to ensure safety for residents.
Contact local media urging them to cover your community actions. Have community members and leaders vulnerable to hate make public statements rejecting intolerance:
- Arrange a press conference when appropriate;
- Write Op Ed pieces and letters to the editor;
- Avoid the spread of rumors and misinformation.
Make a Plan for Ongoing Action:
- Create a permanent committee of diverse community members, civic, school, law enforcement, and business leaders to support an ongoing plan for hate and bullying prevention; (NIOT.org/startagroup)
- Continue supporting impacted community members and organizations;
- Engage the entire community in your action plan for inclusion.

Auto Body Shop Owner Repairs Hearts After Hate Attack

When Quality Auto Paint & Body owner Richard Henegar hears that a local college student is the victim of an anti-gay hate attack, he decides to help. Not only does Richard repair Jordan Addison's vandalized car, he brings his entire community together.

3 Tips + Sample Statements

Utah Lt. Governor Spencer Cox speaks about the Orlando shooting

Statement 1: Joint Statement from Mayor Joe Curtatone, City Council President Matt McLaughlin, School Committee Chair Andre Green, Superintendent Mary Skipper in Somerville, MA in April 2021:

"On Tuesday in Atlanta, Georgia, a shooting rampage at area spas left eight people dead, six of whom were women of Asian descent. This tragedy is emblematic of an unacceptable cruelty taking root in our society and serves as further evidence of the blatant racism in our country designed to oppress our neighbors, friends and community members. Hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans in major U.S. cities rose by 150% last year, and within that number, women have been disproportionately targeted. Sadly, Asian and Asian American women in our city and region also have been the victims of this open bigotry. We recognize the growing and justifiable fear you may be experiencing in the wake of the senseless violence.

We join together to express our solidarity, both with our Asian and Asian American residents and communities and with all women and girls in Somerville. As City officials we want you to know you are seen and valued, and if you are being made to feel unsafe, you will be taken seriously and protected. We strive to make our City institutions a safe haven for all and our commitment to human rights a constant, regardless of your race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, age or any other identifier. Our commitment as a sanctuary city and an anti-racist community is anchored in the knowledge that our strength as a city lies in the people who live and work here, and the richness each of us brings to our community."

https://www.facebook.com/SomervilleCity/posts/joint-statement-on-atlanta...

Statement 2: From Mayor Ed Lee in San Francisco prior to the scheduled Patriot Rally in August 2017:

“The shameful, anti-American trend of hate-filled extremist rallies will unfortunately be allowed to continue this weekend in our city.

Since the beginning of this process, we have repeatedly stated that the public safety of San Francisco residents and visitors is our top priority. With the event now officially permitted, the San Francisco Police Department is working with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the United States Park Police on a comprehensive public safety plan.

Let us show this nation that San Francisco is a city of peace and unity. Do not engage with the members of this group, whose only priority is to incite violence through divisive rhetoric. Instead of dignifying their display of hatred, we ask that residents join peaceful gatherings taking place at the Civic Center Plaza on Friday and Saturday at 12 p.m.

Over the course of history, we have been tested by movements designed to magnify our differences and sow distrust. We will not allow that fear and anger to break our spirit. Like we have so many times before, we will overcome ideologies based on hatred by showing the power of unity and compassion.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, a movement for peace, inclusiveness and unity that started in this city and spread throughout the country. Half a century later, those values still drive our city. This weekend, we will echo once again that love triumphs over hate.”

http://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-lee-ggnra-permit-issuance-august-26-extremist-rally-crissy-field

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee died on December 12, 2017. He was succeeded by Mayor London Breed.

Statement 3: Muncie, IN Mayor Dennis Tyler's Facebook Live statement in response to racist graffiti

In this powerful 4-minute statement, Mayor Tyler apologizes on behalf of the community for racist graffiti found spray-painted in a public park, saying this type of hate will not be tolerated in their city. He identifies the act as a hate crime and commits to doing everything the city can to find the perpetrators and to prosecute them to the full extent of the law. In closing, Mayor Tyler encourages residents to continue to celebrate and support diversity and acceptance in their community.

Statement 4: From Seattle, Washington City Council members’ statement following threat to Jewish Community Center

All nine Seattle City Councilmembers issued the following statement after yesterday’s bomb threat to the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island:

“We are horrified by yesterday’s bomb threat against the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island and the anti-Semitic and racist graffiti found in Ballard. As leaders of Seattle and neighbors to Mercer Island, we are deeply concerned that members of our community are increasingly becoming the targets of discrimination and hatred.

“Seattle will not be a place where children and their families live in fear. We do not tolerate hate speech or threats of violence.

“Council recently adopted an Anti-Hate Resolution 31724 and a Welcoming City Resolution 31730, which emphasize the City of Seattle’s commitment to dedicating its resources to support and protect communities of persecution.

“The Office for Civil Rights is conducting an outreach campaign, developing a hotline, and continuing to work to enforce federal and local laws against illegal discrimination and harassment based on age, religion, national origin, race, sex, sexual orientation, and other protected groups in housing, employment, public accommodations and contracting.

“The Seattle Police Department and the Office for Civil Rights will continue to work with the community to ensure that the people of Seattle are protected under state and local malicious harassment laws and understand these protections. And we call upon the Department of Justice to condemn these actions and prosecute those who feel emboldened to threaten human life.

“In late 2016 the Council commissioned a City Auditor review of Hate Crimes in Seattle. The Auditor is analyzing how the City is addressing hate crimes, including analyzing geographic and demographic trends, possible strategies for prevention, and consideration of questions from the US Department of Justice Center for Community Policing Services Hate Crimes report.

“The people behind these acts intend to instill fear and divisiveness in our community. Today, we respond unequivocally with resolve and unity against hate and violence. Locally or nationally, hate crimes are not to be tolerated. We also stand in solidarity with the South Asian families in Olathe, Kansas, targeted in recent heinous hate crimes.

“We will continue to work together to combat the fear and hatred spread through anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, anti-LGBTQ, anti-immigrant, and racist actions and uphold our values as a welcoming city and welcoming nation.

“If you or someone you know experiences a hate crime, bias crime, or malicious harassment, call 9-1-1 immediately. If the incident has already occurred, the immediate danger is over and there are no injuries, call (206) 625-5011. For additional resources and information on reporting bias harassment, click here.”

http://council.seattle.gov/2017/02/28/councilmembers-statement-of-support-following-threat-to-jewish-community-center/

See other statements from:

Know Your Rights

Under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, (HCPA) (18 U.S.C. § 249), a person commits a hate crime if he or she “willfully causes bodily injury” or “attempts to cause bodily injury using a dangerous weapon” because of his or her perceived or actual race, color, religion, or national origin. Moreover, the HCPA protects people who have been victims of a crime based on their actual or perceived religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability if that crime affects interstate or foreign commerce or the crime occurs within federal special maritime and territorial jurisdiction.

There are additional federal statutes that may protect you from hate related incidents. Learn more on the Stop Hate Project website.

Additionally, state hate crime laws may vary significantly, from covering all of the same classes as federal law, to excluding protections for various classes. Learn more on the Stop Hate Project website.

doj-027.hatecrimeequation_stacked_320x525.png

Spreading Values of Diversity and Inclusion

Screen shot 2015-04-30 at 12.19.58 PM (1).png

Photo courtesy of Beach Reporter

We can’t stand up to hate alone, we have to do it together within our communities. Local Action = Real Impact. Start in your community by sharing this message with your friends, community activists and leaders.

Reach out to your community and tell them you have their backs. Work with neighborhood groups or use community watch listservs to open a discussion about who is vulnerable and what you can do together. Tell your fellow community members you’ll be there for them if they feel threatened. Set up a real-world response team as well as one that operates on social media.

Community Members, Educators and Students: Open up a discussion about who is feeling unsafe, what students can do to stand up for each other, and what school leaders can do to support these actions. School leaders, create a safe space for young people to talk to each other about their fears, share respectful dialogue about different points of view, and brainstorm ways to support each other despite those differences.

Mayors, City and Civic Leaders, you can set the tone for Inclusion, Safety and Respect for All. Send a message to your residents that you want everyone to feel safe and included in your town. Organize a community event, such as a town hall meeting, to find out who is vulnerable to hate and discuss how to bridge differences. Set a tone that encourages respect for different points of view.

Reach out to your police department outside of crisis situations and ask them to speak with your neighborhood group about how to report incidents and make everyone feel safe.

Law Enforcement Leaders, help your community understand how to report hate crimes or incidents. Host an event with community members who can help you reach people who may be reluctant to report hate crimes. Let them know you will be there for everyone in your town.

3 | Films & Videos

Watch and learn, facilitate discussion, and inspire action against hate.

Waking in Oak Creek

Discover this inspiring blueprint for how a community can stand together in the aftermath of hate.

As the Sikh community in Oak Creek, Wisconsin prepares for Sunday prayers, a deadly hate attack shatters their lives, but not their resilience. After six worshipers are killed by a white supremacist, the local community finds inspiration in the Sikh tradition of forgiveness and faith. In the year following the tragedy, thousands gather for vigils and community events to honor the victims and seek connection. Together, a community rocked by hate is awakened and transformed by the Sikh spirit of relentless optimism. Read the full story.

Light in the Darkness

Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness Trailer

Learn about how a town comes together to take action after anti-immigrant violence devastates the community.

In 2008, a series of attacks against Latino residents of Patchogue, New York culminate with the murder of Marcelo Lucero, an Ecuadorian immigrant who had lived in the Long Island village for 13 years.

Over a two-year period, the story follows Mayor Paul Pontieri, the victim’s brother, Joselo Lucero, and Patchogue residents as they openly address the underlying causes of the violence, work to heal divisions, and begin taking steps to ensure everyone in their village will be safe and respected. Read the full story.

Strategies for When Neo-Nazis Come to Town

Strategies for when the Neo Nazis Come to Town

Find out how community members in Olympia, Washington used celebrations of diversity and unity to stand up to a Neo-Nazi group.

When the Neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Movement comes to Olympia, Washington, community members respond by celebrating the diversity and unity of their community. Read the full story.

4 | Resources

In-depth PDF guides and online resources related to stopping hate in your community.

Resources

Stop Hate: Action Steps for Local Communities

What can we do in our local communities to stop hate and make everyone feel safe? Action steps for community leaders and schools.

United States Department of Justice

The community policing division of the DOJ offers a free USB flash drive featuring Not In Our Town films and guides designed to help law enforcement and community partners work together to take action against hate and create safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can participate.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has resources on human rights and racial justice, immigrants rights, LGBT rights, and more here.
The Anti-Defamation League has a hate symbols database and more resources here.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice AAJC have created the a tracker for hate crimes against Asian Americans here.
Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) is collecting reports and taking requests for representation here.
GLAAD provides a list of LGBTQ resources here.
The Leadership Conference Education Fund and the Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights Under Law lead a diverse partnership of organizations called Communities Against Hate and are collecting stories here.
Muslim Advocates is monitoring incidents impacting the Muslim community and submissions can be sent in here.
The Matthew Shepard Foundation has resources for reporting hate here.
The National Center for Transgender Equality has a community resource manual on responding to hate crimes here.
ProPublica is documenting stories of hate here.
The Sikh Coalition is monitoring incidents impacting or targeting members of the Sikh American community here.
South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) is collecting submissions of xenophobic rhetoric, harassment, and profiling against South Asian, Sikh, Muslim, and Arab communities here.
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is collecting submissions of hateful intimidation and harassment incidents here.
Stop AAPI Hate is collecting incident reports here.

Reporting a Hate Incident

Does Your City Report Hate Crimes?

The Problem of Hate in Communities

Why Report Hate? Community Stories

Location: Patchogue, New York

Location: Bloomington, Minnesota

Location: Bedford, Massachusetts

How to be an Ally and Take Action

Whitefish, Montana

San Francisco, California

Manhattan Beach, California

Oregon