Non-Criminal Hate Incident Prevention

Programs that attempt to reduce the incidence of non-criminal conduct that is motivated by hatred or bigotry and directed at any individual, residence, house of worship, institution, or business expressly because of the victim's real or perceived race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Hate incidents also include conduct directed against an individual or group because of their association with or advocacy on behalf of a member or members of a protected class. A hate incident might include hate speech, display of offensive materials on one's property, distribution of hate materials in public places and posting of hate materials that does not result in property damage. Hateful rhetoric is protected by freedom of speech as long as it does not interfere with the civil rights of others. If this type of behavior escalates to threats or criminal activity against a person or property, then it would be classified as a hate crime.