LOS ANGELES - Today, the Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department (LA Civil Rights) hosted "The Future of Hate Prevention," a live discussion with California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, Dr. David Eisenman of UCLA Health and Joumana Silyan-Saba, Director of Discrimination Enforcement at LA Civil Rights.
The conversation, moderated by LA Civil Rights Executive Director Capri Maddox, aired live on LA City View Channel 35 and Facebook Live.
Panelists explored the current crisis of hate and extremism, which Attorney General Bonta and Dr. David Eisenman described as "an epidemic" across the State of California. Reported hate crimes have increased every year in the City of Los Angeles since 2016, and hate crimes statewide shot up 31% in 2020 alone, according to the California Department of Justice.
Councilmember Nithya Raman offered policy strategies to expand reporting, including to non-law enforcement and culturally-informed sources, as well as a need for increased funding for anti-hate and anti-discrimination resources. Silyan-Saba, who holds decades of experience in hate & extremism research, identified novel approaches, including hate & extremism prevention and intervention and leveraging technology to foster inclusion and safety.
"The Future of Hate Prevention" was the 12th program or event hosted by LA Civil Rights on hate crime prevention, rights and resources. Unlike previous programs, which focus on sharing the rights & resources for diverse communities, "The Future of Hate Prevention" looked ahead with city and statewide leaders at how Los Angeles and California will rise to meet a crisis of hate.
To learn more about your rights and resources, or to find more videos & information on hate produced by LA Civil Rights, visit our LA for All Stop Hate Resource Hub.