Hate Crimes

What is a Hate Crime?

A hate crime is when someone breaks the law AND their actions are motivated by bias or hate toward a group of people.

This hate is based on things like:

race or color
religion
where someone is from
sexual orientation
gender or gender identity
disability

Key idea: A law is broken and the reason is hate.

What is a
Hate Incident?

A hate incident is when someone shows hate or bias, but no law is broken.

It still targets the same types of characteristics (race, religion, gender, etc.), but it doesn’t meet the legal definition of a crime.

Key idea: It’s hateful behavior, but not against the law.

Understanding Bias

Bias is an unfair opinion about a person or group that isn’t based on facts. It can be conscious or unconscious. Bias shows up in daily interactions, in institutions, and in media. It matters because it can lead to hate incidents, harm mental health, and weaken community trust. Common types of bias include racial, gender, religious, sexual orientation, disability, and age bias.

Bystander Intervention: The 5 Ds

Distract

Create a dsitraction to de-escalte the situation (ask for directions/time, drop something near them)

Delegate

Find someone with a position of power and authority—such as a security officer, staff member, teacher, or another bystander.

Delay

Once situation diffuses, check in with the person to see if they’re okay. Offer support & resources. Escort them/ stay until they feel safe.

Document

Record or take photos safely and discreetly. Note time, location, and details. Check for consent with the person before sharing.

Direct

Directly intervene in the situation. Loudly call out the behavior or what’s happening. Not sure? Ask. Speak up clearly and assertively—only if safe to do so.