CA vs Hate: A Year of Progress in Tackling Hate Crimes Across the State
By Fatmeh Bakhit | Al Enteshar Newspaper
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD), in collaboration with state and community partners, has released a comprehensive review marking the first successful year of the “California vs Hate” initiative. Launched by Governor Gavin Newsom, this innovative program represents California’s inaugural multilingual, statewide hotline and online portal aimed specifically at combating hate-related incidents. With over 1,000 reports logged in its debut year, the initiative demonstrates a critical need for such resources amid a rising tide of hate across the nation.
Governor Newsom expressed his support for the program, stating, “CA vs Hate embodies our commitment to the diverse tapestry that is California, sending a resounding message that hate will find no refuge in our state.”
Designed as a safe and anonymous reporting channel, the hotline allows victims and witnesses of hate acts to come forward without engaging directly with the criminal legal system. This approach aligns with California’s broader strategy to provide community-centric support and resources, ensuring that every Californian, irrespective of their immigration status, has the freedom and support to report hate incidents.
During its first year, CA vs Hate handled 2,118 contacts from the public, directing individuals to more than 100 different forms of support, demonstrating the wide-ranging impact of hate in daily lives. The detailed analysis conducted by UC Berkeley’s Possibility Lab reveals that the most frequently reported issues included discriminatory treatment, verbal harassment, and the use of derogatory names or slurs. Notably, these incidents were most commonly reported in residential settings, workplaces, and public facilities.
Kevin Kish, Director of the CRD, highlighted the state’s proactive stance, stating, “Faced with an unsettling increase in hate incidents, California didn’t merely hope for improvement; we acted decisively. We launched comprehensive, nation-leading programs that reinforce our commitment to a safe, inclusive community. Our work is far from over, but the progress we’ve made has been made possible by the dedicated advocacy of our community partners and the foresight of our state’s Administration and Legislature.”
The first-year data indicates that race and ethnicity are the predominant motivators for hate incidents, closely followed by bias based on gender identity and sexual orientation. This data not only provides insight into the nature of hate in California but also underscores the ongoing need for targeted interventions.
Looking ahead, CA vs Hate is set to expand its reach and effectiveness with several new and ongoing initiatives:
- Launching its first-ever billboard campaign to enhance public awareness of the hotline and the available resources across multiple cities.
- Developing targeted outreach materials in collaboration with tribal partners and members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to ensure that these historically hard-to-reach and underserved groups have better access to resources.
- Implementing new digital strategies for outreach, including a unique partnership with the California Department of Motor Vehicles and interactive engagement initiatives at events hosted by California-based sports teams.
- Exploring the introduction of a text-responsive option to increase the accessibility of the CA vs Hate hotline.
Additionally, the CRD is strengthening community-specific engagement through initiatives such as the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act grant. This grant facilitates access to critical resources for communities that are frequently targeted by hate, supporting everything from legal aid to mental health services.
“Through CA vs Hate, we are setting a national standard for how to effectively support and protect communities from hate,” Governor Newsom added. “This initiative is a cornerstone of our commitment to ensuring that every Californian, regardless of their background, can live free from fear and intimidation.”
For individuals in immediate danger or those who wish to report directly to law enforcement, the recommended action remains to call 911. For non-emergency reports, the CA vs Hate hotline can be reached at (833) 866-4283, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, or online anytime at CAvsHate.org.
This initiative is just one aspect of the broader mission of the CRD to enforce California’s civil rights laws and protect its citizens from unlawful discrimination and hate violence. For more information about the California Civil Rights Department and its initiatives, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov.
This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate
