Hate Incidents vs. Hate Crimes
A hate incident is an action or behavior motivated by hate but legally protected by the First Amendment right to freedom of expression. Examples of hate incidents include:Name-calling, insults, distributing hate material in public places, and displaying hate material on your own propertyThe U.S. Constitution allows hate speech as long as it does not interfere with the civil rights of others. If a hate incident starts to threaten a person or property, it may become a hate crime.
A hate crime is a crime against a person, group, or property motivated by the victim's real or perceived protected social group. The law protects against many classes of hate crimes including (but not limited to):(1) Graffiti or vandalism that references or is motivated by hate, (2) Actual or threats of physical violence against a person or group of people motivated by hate, or(3) Theft, burglary, arson, and other crimes that are perpetrated against a person or group due to hate or bias.
Hate Crime/Incident Reporting
Additionally, you should (if applicable):
Please click on the link below for an informational brochure on Hate Crimes from the Office of the Attorney General: Hate Crime
August 7, 2024
August 12, 2024
September 2, 2024