Lawmakers seeking hate crimes reduction progress report

A pair of lawmakers have forwarded correspondence to Attorney General Merrick Garland, seeking a progress report regarding hate crime reduction efforts and
COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act implementation.

The letter from Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) was sent four months after the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which was introduced by Hirono and Meng, was signed into law.

The lawmakers also highlighted the need to provide guidance to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies on reporting hate crimes and incidents.

“In addition to expediting review of hate crimes, the law requires DOJ to issue guidance to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies,” the legislators wrote. “Specifically, section 4(a)(1) calls for guidance on how to establish online reporting for hate crimes, as well as incidents. The inclusion of incidents was intentional and is a critical component for any reporting system. Many acts of discrimination do not rise to the level of a hate crime. In order to meaningfully address the root causes of this bias and hostility, we need a clear and full picture of the scope of the problem. Data on hate crimes alone is insufficient.”

Hirono and Meng added that frustration with the virus will undoubtedly resurface with COVID-19 variants causing states, localities or private entities to reinstate restrictions or public safety mandates.

“We fear the impact this could have on perpetuating hate-based violence against people,” the lawmakers concluded. “Full implementation of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act will help stem the tide against further violence.”