Justice Department initiates nationwide effort to combat acts of hate

U.S. Department of Justice officials are espousing the benefits of a new nationwide initiative to combat unlawful acts of hate.

The United Against Hate program is convening local forums connecting community groups to federal, state, and local law enforcement to expand community understanding and reporting of hate crimes while also building trust between law enforcement and communities.

“The Justice Department remains committed to enforcing federal hate crime laws,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said. “That is why the Justice Department has launched its new United Against Hate program. This initiative brings together community groups, community leaders, and law enforcement at every level to build trust and strengthen coordination to combat unlawful acts of hate.”

Over the next year, all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices (USAOs) will be involved in the endeavor. The program additionally eyes the creation and strengthening of alliances between law enforcement, other government partners, and community groups to address hate acts. The first cohort of 16 USAOs will begin deploying United Against Hate programs this fall.

“U.S. Attorneys are critical partners in the Justice Department’s efforts to respond to hate crimes in communities across our country,” Justice Department Civil Rights Division Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said. “The stronger the ties between communities and law enforcement, the more faith that communities will have that their allegations will be investigated and taken seriously. This moment requires an all-hands-on-deck strategy to fully confront unlawful acts of hate. The United Against Hate program brings together the vast network of civil rights, government, faith, and community-based leaders needed to improve reporting, promote prevention strategies and build the resilience needed to confront hate crimes and incidents.”