Isn’t every crime a hate crime? This presentation describes the rationale for classifying acts as “bias motivated.” It explores the “greater harm” impact of hate crimes and bias incidents in the form of trauma for the targets of hate and wider communities, as well as the impact over time and on the places where the incidents happen. The case is made that both hate crimes and bias incidents are forms of domestic terrorism. Finally, effective community response to address the trauma caused by hate is discussed.

Presented is part of the Oregon Department of Justice ate and Bias Crimes training.