Commission on the State of Hate Releases New Report Documenting Trends in Hate Activity Across California

SACRAMENTO – The California Commission on the State of Hate (Commission) today released its third annual report with new interim policy recommendations to strengthen existing efforts to combat hate. The report also documents the Commission’s work to date and trends in hate activity across California. 

“As hate crimes have risen dramatically over the last decade, California is leading the nation in its response,” said Commission Chair Brian Levin. “Our state has built up local support networks, we’re investing in increased safety for nonprofits, and we’re bringing together experts from all walks of life to help us put a stop to hate. This notable report reflects a wide range of community voices, expert research, and public input. I encourage everyone to read it.” 

“When any Californian faces hate because of who they are, it is up to all of us to stand with them,” said Commission Vice Chair Andrea Beth Damsky. “We all deserve to live in a world that is free from hate. That is the fundamental motivation behind the work of our Commission. I’m grateful to my fellow commissioners for their dedication to helping keep all our communities safe.” 

“This report provides an important roadmap for how we can continue to meaningfully take action against hate,” said Civil Rights Department Director Kevin Kish. “I’m grateful to the Commission and everyone who has shown up to contribute to their work. People all across California continue to come together to support their neighbors and help build a state where everyone feels safe and welcome.” 

Trends in Hate Activity 

A key goal of the Commission is to report regularly and comprehensively on hate activity and its impacts across California. As part of that ongoing work, the Commission reviews and compiles existing data from law enforcement, representative surveys, community organizations, and other sources. While gaps remain in available data, reported hate activity remains at near record highs across the country. A few key trends documented by the Commission in California include: 

• A recent survey sponsored by the Commission estimated that approximately 1 in 12 Californians over the age of 12 experienced at least one act of hate between 2022 and 2023. 
• The same survey also found that roughly 1 in 7 Native American adults, 1 in 7 Black adults, and 1 in 11 Asian American adults experienced hate in California. 
• Preliminary analysis also estimates that just 1 in 333 adults and 1 in 1,000 adolescents who experienced potentially criminal acts of hate in California are captured in law enforcement data. 
• With respect to hate crimes reported to law enforcement, religious bias hate crimes saw the largest year-over-year jump, increasing 30% from 2022 to 2023.

Interim Recommendations 

Building on rigorous research and numerous public hearings with testimony from subject matter experts, community organizations, and state and local leaders, the Commission has developed a range of interim recommendations and evidence-based tools aimed at preventing and combatting hate. A few key examples include: 

• Community-Centered Approach: Many communities that have historically been targeted by hate continue to be disproportionately impacted. The Commission recommends ongoing support for the work of community organizations to uplift locally tailored solutions. 
• Hate Crime Coordinators: Require law enforcement to designate a specific person as a hate crime coordinator to improve response by serving as a resource for other officers and members of the public, as well as ensuring compliance with legal obligations. 
• Mental Health Support: Hate can have devastating impacts on mental health. Remote care is a promising option to ensure victims across California have access to providers with the appropriate expertise, cultural understanding, and language skills. 
• Proactive Campaigns: While some surges in hate cannot be predicted, others around major events, like elections, can be. The Commission recommends proactively ramping up efforts to publicize existing resources, like California vs Hate, ahead of such events. 
• Online Bullying: One of the most common locations for teens to experience hate is online. The Commission recommends the development of school curricula to help students better recognize online hate and understand actions they can take to combat it. 

You can learn more by reading the Commission’s third annual report. Additional information about the Commission and information about how to watch upcoming hearings is available on the California Civil Rights Department’s website. The Civil Rights Department provides technical and administrative support to the Commission.

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.

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