Increased investments, resources
As diverse communities across the nation continue to be targeted by increased acts of hate, including communities of color, religious groups, and LGBTQ+ communities, Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced additional resources, funding, and guidance to empower and protect Californians.
Following recent high-profile incidents, the State’s new investments and resources seek to further fight hate by building on California’s robust efforts to empower diverse communities and address discrimination. New actions announced include:
$91.4 million to 173 local organizations across the state to support victims, provide resources, and facilitate anti-hate prevention measures.
The first major statewide media campaign entitled “CA vs Hate” with print, radio, and digital ads that will run in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Tongan, Mixtec, and Hmong. The campaign will focus on traditionally hard-to-reach communities.
A letter to all public school leaders in California highlighting the legal responsibilities to ensure ethnic studies curricula –– which give students a chance to “see” themselves in the fabric of our state –– are appropriate and do not reflect or promote bias, bigotry or discrimination.
“An attack on any of our communities is an attack on everything we stand for as Californians,” Newsom said. “As hate-fueled rhetoric drives increasing acts of bigotry and violence, California is taking action to protect those who are targeted just for being who they are. We’re bolstering our support for victims and anti-hate programs and tackling ignorance and intolerance through education to prevent hate from taking hold in our communities.”
The recent announcements come as hate crimes, and racial, religious, sexual orientation and gender bias events have increased in California. Last week, a shop owner in Lake Arrowhead was shot and killed because a rainbow pride flag hung outside her clothing store. In the first month since Newsom launched the “CA vs Hate” hotline, there have been 180 reports of hate acts across California.
These actions continue a commitment to combating hate crimes and follow a previous investment of $44.6 million for anti-hate programs through the Stop the Hate Program, the launch of the “CA vs Hate” hotline, the creation of the Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education, and numerous grants for nonprofits to strengthen security. From 2021-22 alone, organizations throughout California reached more than 2 million people through prevention and intervention services combined, and reported serving more than 14,000 people through individual direct services.
In 2021, Newsom signed legislation establishing the Commission on the State of Hate, the first statewide commission to monitor and track hate crimes and recommend policy to the governor, state legislature and state agencies.
This article is a part of a series of articles for Our Weekly’s #StopTheHate campaign and is supported in whole or part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library. #NoPlaceForHateCA,
#StopAAPIHate, #CaliforniaForAll
