According to a March 2023 report by the FBI, hate crimes increased nearly 12 percent in 2021 over the previous year. Because VTA is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for passengers, we are joining the United Against Hate Week campaign to be observed November 12 through November 18.
The campaign was started in 2017 in response to white supremacist rallies in Berkeley and San Francisco. Since then, the movement has grown to more than 200 communities nationwide committed to publicly denouncing racism and xenophobia.
Hate crimes are criminal offenses that are acts of harm having to do with bias, hatred, or prejudice based or protected characteristics. Hate incidents are non-criminal acts that involve bias-motivated hostility.
This year, we invite you to engage in community-building activities that combat hate. Here are some ways you can engage in events in your community and co-working space:
- Use the guides and kits published by United Against Hate Week
- Participate in community events
- And most importantly, hold space for open, respectful conversations about hate in your community.
The week of November 12-18 is an important step in bridging divisions and strengthening our communities and it’s a time to talk about how to stand up to hate with your children, family and friends. Check out our employee pledges all this week on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn and Threads (@SCVTA).
