What They’re Saying: Leaders Across California Stand United in Combatting Hate

SACRAMENTO – In response to new data from California vs Hate showing nearly 1,200 reports of hate across nearly 50 different counties in 2024, state and community leaders today reiterated their ongoing commitment to combating hate across California. CA vs Hate is the state’s first-ever multilingual statewide hotline and online portal that provides a safe, anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate.

State Government and Legislative Leaders

California Attorney General Rob Bonta: “There is no place for hate in California. The California Department of Justice is proud to support statewide efforts to combat hate in all its forms and build trust and accountability in our communities. Everyone has a role to play in tackling discrimination and bias as we continue to work to build a safer, more decent California for us all.”

Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire: “The rise in hate across the state and nation are near record highs and it’s despicable and must end. That’s why CA vs Hate is moving with speed to make sure victims feel seen, supported, and to send the message that hate has no place in the Golden State. Don’t stay silent — any Californian who’s had an experience with hate can call the hotline for help and resources.”

Assemblymember Mike Fong, Chair of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus:“The California vs Hate initiative was established through the efforts of one of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Legislative Caucus members due to the rise in anti-AAPI hate incidents that started during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotline and resources provided through the Civil Rights Department are critical not only for documenting the number of hate incidents in the state, but more importantly, an avenue to allow victims to seek support and resources. The AAPI Legislative Caucus thanks the department for its work and encourages anyone who has experienced hate to contact the California vs Hate hotline and portal.”

Senator Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, Co-Chairs of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus: “The California vs Hate hotline is a vital resource for the Jewish community and all Californians. Despite making up just 3% of the state’s population, Jews face 15% of all hate events and 68% of all religious based hate events according to the latest California Department of Justice hate crimes report. It is critical that the state provides easily accessible resources and tools for reporting when these hate-based incidents occur. The test of a society is how it responds to hate and protects those most at risk, and we are proud that time and again California has shown itself to stand behind communities and reject divisiveness in favor of unity.”

Assemblymember Chris Ward, Chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus: “While overall hate acts in California have shown signs of decline, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face a troubling annual rise in anti LGBTQ+ hate incidents, especially amongst our transgender community members. That is why the California vs Hate initiative remains vital as it provides a safe, affirming space for reporting and support. We must ensure no one is silenced or left without help simply for being who they are. The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus applauds Governor Newsom’s continued leadership in prioritizing anti-hate efforts like California vs Hate, and we extend our deep appreciation to the Civil Rights Department for their unwavering commitment to protecting and uplifting our most vulnerable community members.”

Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D., Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus: “CA vs Hate is vital to ensuring that every Californian feels safe, respected, and protected in their own community. The CA vs Hate hotline is an essential tool that empowers people to report incidents, access resources, and know they are not alone. This is about standing up against hate in all its forms and ensuring support is always within reach.”

Senator Lena Gonzalez, Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus: “As communities are terrorized by discriminatory federal immigration tactics, where people are targeted based on the color of their skin or the language they speak, resources like the CA vs Hate hotline are incredibly important. The latest data reveals that over 40% of reports to the CA vs Hate hotline involved racial or ethnic bias, with overall hate crime reports increasing by more than half in just the past few years. The California Latino Legislative Caucus commends the Civil Rights Department and community partners who launched and continue to drive this vital program, standing strong with our communities against hate.”

Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus: “As Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, I know there are many violent acts against women that go unreported. Sadly, many women don’t feel safe talking about what happened to them, whether it’s to their loved ones or to law enforcement. Too many survivors of abuse feel scared, that they will be judged, or they won’t been taken seriously. So, it fills my heart to see the California vs Hate Resource Line providing a safe opportunity for people to share their stories and connect with resources to get the help they need. A program like this can help close the reporting gap and save women’s lives.”

Director Nancy Ward, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES): “In today’s world, we have seen a troubling increase in hate directed at our neighbors and communities. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is leveraging partnerships and bolstering capabilities to make communities more resilient. The CA vs Hate multilingual hotline is more than just a tool for reporting crimes, it is a way for people to speak up and be heard.” 

Director Jennifer Troia, California Department of Social Services (CDSS): “California has taken a leadership role in confronting hate through major investments in community-based solutions. CDSS Stop the Hate Program provides direct services to victims and survivors of hate incidents and their families, as well as prevention and intervention measures to stop hate before it starts. By empowering communities, strengthening partnerships, and promoting healing, we are building resilience and promoting safety and dignity for all.”

Chair Brian Levin, California Commission on the State of Hate: “CA vs Hate has been a key tool to assist victims of horrendous incidents of bigotry in our state who otherwise would suffer in silence unaided. At a time when we are seeing these types of incidents hovering at or near records, we have to assure that victims know that a community of caring people stands with them not only with words but with demonstrable action as well. I want to thank the Civil Rights Department for their extraordinary efforts at implementing this national model of effective response.”

Lynda Gledhill, California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) Executive Officer: “I applaud the work CRD and CA vs Hate are doing to address the increase in reported hate crimes across California. Victims deserve to be heard and connected with services to help them on their journey toward healing. CalVCB is proud to work alongside CA vs Hate to support victims and help them rebuild their lives.”

Community Leaders

Maribel Marin, Executive Director of 211 LA: “211 LA is proud to partner with the Civil Rights Department on CA vs Hate to ensure that every person targeted by hate has access to timely, compassionate support. The fact that so many callers seek care coordination underscores the urgent need for this work, and we remain committed to connecting individuals and communities with the resources they need to heal and thrive.”

Manjusha Kulkarni, Co-Founder of Stop AAPI Hate and Executive Director of AAPI Equity Alliance: “At Stop AAPI Hate, our data has long shown that anti-Asian and Pacific Islander hate continues to run rampant across the state. And even though it no longer makes the headlines, it’s a problem that we cannot afford to ignore. Under a federal government determined to fuel racism and xenophobia, California vs Hate is more critical than ever — providing AA/PI Californians with the assistance they need to feel safe and supported.”

Rick L. Callender, NAACP CA/HI State Conference President: “The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference strongly supports CA vs Hate hotline. We will continue to stand as a proud supporter of the CA vs Hate hotline resource, as we know our Black and Brown brothers and sisters are disproportionately targeted with hate and discrimination. By providing a safe, accessible, and multilingual reporting system, this initiative empowers impacted communities, advances civil rights, and reinforces our shared commitment to equity, safety, and justice across California. This hotline is absolutely necessary, especially during these trying times!”

Bamby Salcedo, President and CEO of The TransLatin@ Coalition: “CA vs Hate is a lifeline for our two spirit, trans, gender expansive, and intersex (2TGI) siblings. In a world that too often silences and targets us, this initiative says loud and clear: we see you, and we hear you. It’s about affirming our dignity, holding systems accountable, and building a California where we can all live safely, authentically, and with pride.”

Hussam Ayloush, Council on American Islamic Relations-CA CEO: “In recent years, Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities in California have faced rising hate — from harassment in schools to workplace discrimination to targeted violence. Too often, these experiences go unreported because community members fear they won’t be believed or protected. CA vs Hate is helping to change that reality. The CA vs Hate program is critical because it helps ensure that our communities know that the California Civil Rights Department stands with them in confronting hate and working toward lasting safety and justice. This program affirms that the department stands with our community in rejecting hate and building a state where every community can thrive in safety and dignity.”

Tony Hoang, Executive Director, Equality California: “Too often, LGBTQ+ people — especially transgender and nonbinary people and LGBTQ+ people of color — face harassment, violence, and discrimination simply for being who they are. CA vs Hate is an essential tool to ensure survivors are not left isolated but instead connected to care and support that meets their needs and reflects their identities. This work is critical to creating a California where every LGBTQ+ person can live openly, safely, and with dignity.”

Richard Hirschhaut, American Jewish Committee Los Angeles Director: “American Jewish Committee (AJC) Los Angeles is proud to continue our partnership with the California Civil Rights Department to strengthen understanding of the state of hate in California. Nationwide, the Jewish community is the target of over 70% of religiously motivated hate crimes, despite being only 2% of the U.S. population. We know all too well that these numbers only reflect what is reported and that hate crimes continue to be underreported. It is vital that as we respond to hate, we continue to monitor and collect incident reports that accurately reflect the state of hate in California. We applaud the Civil Rights Department for its vital efforts and look forward to working together to ensure a safer California for all.”

Luz Gallegos, Executive Director of TODEC: “For immigrant communities, reporting hate can feel overwhelming and even risky. The CA vs Hate hotline is a lifeline — it gives our community a safe place to be heard, to seek help, and to connect with trusted resources that protect their dignity and safety. It reminds our families that they are not alone and that support is available.”

Puneet Kaur, Senior State Policy Manager at the Sikh Coalition: “Hotlines like California vs Hate are an important tool that states can use to make sure community concerns are heard, direct support is given to those in need, and encourage the process of reporting hate crimes. Many impacted communities — including the Sikh community — are increasingly hesitant to call law enforcement due to fears around immigration status and more. Given the persistent threat of hate violence and harassment, we hope to continue working with California vs Hate to help close these reporting gaps and connect victims with crucial resources.”

Mina Fedor, Founder and Executive Director of AAPI Youth Rising: “Young people face bullying in schools, fear of school shootings, fear for immigrant communities and our families, and a mental health crisis impacting Asian American youth, unlike one we’ve ever seen. During this time of increased violence and political extremism, it is all the more important that young people have a place to report through CAvsHate.org. We need culturally responsive resources supporting us, guiding us, and helping us feel empowered to stand up to hate-fueled violence so that we have the future we deserve.”

Soukprida Phetmisy, Act To Change Executive Director: “Act To Change is a national organization working to end bullying and hate, but its collaboration with California’s CA vs Hate initiative shows how powerful local partnerships can be. By teaming up with a statewide, community-focused effort, Act To Change is able to bring its mission closer to the youth, people, and communities we aim to support. What makes CA vs Hate stand out is how it collects data, supports victims directly, and offers ways to report hate without involving law enforcement — all of which could serve as a model for other states. Together, this kind of national-and-local teamwork shows how we can build safer, more inclusive communities across the country that do not tolerate hate of any kind.”

What Is CA vs Hate?

CA vs Hate is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. It is run by CRD in partnership with community organizations across California and is operated by 211. The hotline uses a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach to help connect people who report with the resources that they request in their communities. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM PT or online at any time. Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline. Individuals who are in imminent danger are encouraged to call 911.

California Leads the Charge in Fighting Hate

As reported hate crimes have risen in recent years, California has led the charge in responding through a range of proactive efforts. For instance, California has taken direct action to bolster safety and security grantsfor faith communities and nonprofits. The state has provided crucial funding to support direct services at the local level through the Stop the Hate grant program. Governor Newsom also signed legislation establishing the California Commission on the State of Hate to monitor and track hate and recommend policy to the Governor and Legislature.

Earlier this year, CRD shared the results of a state-sponsored survey showing that an estimated 2.6 million Californians directly experienced at least one act of hate over the course of a year. The department also recently launched “Welcome In,” a first-of-its-kind statewide pilot program to recognize and support businesses that take steps to foster safe and inclusive environments for customers and staff. CRD also has a Community Conflict Resolution Unit made up of trained, neutral mediators who often work behind the scenes to facilitate dialog, provide training, and design conflict resolution processes to help minimize the potential for hate-motivated violence.

An infographic with key takeaways on the first full calendar year of CA vs Hate is available here.

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. CRD’s mission is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state-funded programs and activities, and from hate violence and human trafficking. For more information, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov.

View Press Release (PDF) What They’re Saying: Leaders Across California Stand United in Combatting Hate