Californians are banding together this week to stamp out hate. Here’s what you can do
More than 500 reports of hate have been called in to the state’s new multilingual hotline and resource network California vs Hate since it went live six months ago.
According to the California Civil Rights Department, more than four in 10 callers — 45% — were targeted because of their race and ethnicity.
Another 13% were attacked for their religion and 11% because of their sexual orientation.
The figures show the work that needs to be done to quell acts of hate in the state, but California leaders and advocates say they are encouraged that there are now resources and support available for people and communities who need it.
To combat hate and discrimination, California elected officials, civic leaders and civil rights groups are banding together during the annual United Against Hate Week, which runs through Saturday. Anti-hate rallies and other civic action in cities across California mark the week.
“California continues to lead the charge in pushing back against hate. We encourage all Californians to take advantage of resources like California vs Hate to push for change from the ground up for all of our communities,” said Mary Wheat, acting California Civil Rights Department director.
The seven days of civic action were borne out of Bay Area city and community leaders’ response to white supremacist rallies in Berkeley and San Francisco. Now in its sixth year, partners including the national anti-hate organization Not In Our Town and City of Berkeley. Organizers say the annual event calls on communities to restore respect and discourse and work together to tackle a sharp increase in reports of hate.
“Over the last few years, we have seen this event grow exponentially, yet, there is still do much work to be done,” Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín said. “Now, more than ever, in the face of growing hate crimes, we must take a stand to bring our communities together against hatred.”
The week’s events kick off as reports of hate crimes continue to mount in California and across the nation. A sobering state Attorney General report released in late June revealed that reported hate crime events increased 20% in 2022 from 2021.
More than 2,100 hate crime events were reported in 2022, led by events motivated by a person’s sexual orientation and anti-Black hatred, the report’s findings showed.
Callers to the state’s hotline can receive help to find legal aid, counseling, mediation and financial services. Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in more than 200 languages when calling the hotline.
The hotline is available anonymously at (833) 866-4283, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, or online.
“It takes real strength to stand in solidarity in the face of bias and discrimination,” Wheat said. “Together, we’re united against hate.”
