Colorado Faces Alarming Surge in Hate and Antisemitic Incidents
Colorado is grappling with a concerning rise in incidents of hate, prompting state officials and leaders to come together to address the issue and find ways to prevent future hate crimes.
Led by state Sen. Rhonda Fields of Aurora and Attorney General Phil Weiser, a roundtable discussion was held in Denver to analyze the causes of the increase and develop strategies for combating hate crimes.
While the nation has been witnessing a surge in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes, the roundtable highlighted that many other communities are also falling victim to increased targeting. Sen. Fields emphasized the urgency of taking action against hate in Colorado, citing the rise in incidents within her own neighborhood as motivation for change.
Scott Levin, the director of the Anti-Defamation League's Mountain Region, which covers Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming, stressed the importance of having robust laws in place to deter hate crimes. These laws send a clear message that Colorado values all identities and is committed to protecting its residents from harm.
Jeremy Shaver, senior associate regional director of the ADL Mountain Region, presented data revealing a steady increase in reported hate crimes in Colorado since 2015.
In fact, 2022 has seen the highest reported increase in hate crimes in the 30-year history of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's data collection. Hate crimes encompass incidents targeting individuals based on race, ethnicity, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and religion.
Attorney General Weiser acknowledged the need for improved sensitivity and tools within law enforcement to effectively investigate and address hate crimes.
One proposal that gained support during the roundtable was the creation of a hotline specifically for reporting hate crimes, providing an alternative to victims who may not feel comfortable reporting directly to the police. While local hotlines already exist in Aurora and Boulder, establishing a statewide hotline would help connect more victims with the necessary resources.
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Advocates revealed that only a small percentage of hate crime victims in Colorado, ranging from 4% to 18%, have reported their experiences to law enforcement. To address this issue, the roundtable explored ways to encourage more victims to come forward and seek assistance.
The roundtable discussion also featured a presentation of data from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and included representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union, the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, law enforcement officials, and state Rep. Mike Weissman, who chairs the Colorado House Judiciary Committee.