SACRAMENTO – During United Against Hate Week (UAHW), Governor Gavin Newsom today reminded Californians of the resources available across the state to address hate. Since reported hate crimes have increased considerably throughout the country In recent years, California continues to lead by investing in cutting-edge programs to empower the state’s diverse communities and take a stand against hate and discrimination.
“In California, we are coming together in solidarity to say no to division and hate,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “From Stand Up to Hate Week to cutting-edge anti-hate programs, we are leading the nation in the fight against hate. We are not going back and we will not give up. “We are committed to a California for all.”
From the first state hotline to report acts of hate and obtain support, until million dollars in grants To protect nonprofit organizations and places of worship, California has taken a comprehensive approach to combat the rise in reported hate crimes and discrimination in recent years.
CA vs Hate
In 2023, Governor Newsom launched CA vs HateCalifornia’s first statewide multilingual hotline and resource network providing a secure, anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate. Whether people denuncien a CA vs Hate online or by phone, are eligible to receive free care coordination to ensure they can access resources and support, including legal, financial, mental health, and mediation services.
In the program’s first full year, more than 1,000 people have filed reports in nearly 80% of California counties. You can call and get help at 833-866-4283 or by visiting CAvsHate.org.
Specific grant programs
Last year, following rising fears of violence due to conflicts in the Middle East and the worrying trend of hate-fueled attacks across the country, Governor Newsom Increased Funding for Nonprofit Safety Grant Program by more than 35%, providing $78 million to nonprofit organizations to improve safety.
These specific grants are part of a broader strategy to improve the state’s response to hate, including through from the Stop the Hate grant program that supports the ability of community organizations to provide direct services to people affected by hate and grants Ethnic Media Outreach to help ensure that those who are the most frequent targets of hate have information in their language and culturally competent about the resources available to them.
Community conflict mediation
California is one of the only states in the nation with a team of mediators who directly engage local communities and leaders to constructively manage and resolve conflicts related to hate and discrimination. California’s trained, neutral mediators, who often work behind the scenes to facilitate dialogue, provide training, and design conflict resolution processes, help minimize the potential for hate-motivated violence. Their work runs parallel to the CA vs Hate individualized hotline services available statewide and provides an important tool to support community-level resolutions.
Bringing together the experts
California is committed to bringing communities together to properly understand the scope of hate and address it. In 2021, Governor Newsom signed legislation establishing the California Commission on State Hate to monitor and track hate and recommend policies to the governor and the Legislature. In 2023, Governor Newsom signed legislation requiring state and local law enforcement agencies to adopt a hate crimes policy. From holding public community forums to issuing reports that promote the study of hate, the Commission is carrying forward the state’s commitment to respond to its communities and complements the ongoing work of the Holocaust and Genocide Education Council to help curb the risk of violent extremism.
About United Against Hate Week
UAHW is a call to local civic action to end the hate, discrimination, and implicit biases that negatively impact our diverse communities, neighborhoods, and cities. The week, which It started in California and has since spread to cities across the countrywas initially created by local government and community leaders in response to white supremacy protests in Berkeley and San Francisco. Through local events, sharing stories, holding rallies and connecting with local institutions, UAHW, which runs from September 21-27, seeks to work together to help combat a national and statewide increase in hate reports.
To find out how you can get involved and see the list of events taking place across the country, visit the Event calendar for United Against Hate Week 2024.
