Gov. Gavin Newsom has launched the first statewide, multilingual "CA vs. Hate" campaign, citing a rise in hate crimes across the country and the recent murder of San Bernardino shop owner and LGBTQ ally Laura Ann Carleton, according to a press release.
"An attack on any of our communities is an attack on everything we stand for as Californians," Newsom said. "As hate-fueled rhetoric drives increasing acts of bigotry and violence, California is taking action to protect those who are targeted just for being who they are. We're bolstering our support for victims and anti-hate programs and tackling ignorance and intolerance through education to prevent hate from taking hold in our communities."
The campaign is intended to spread awareness and "the importance of inclusion in education." The initiative involves an allocation of $91.4 million to 173 local organizations throughout the state that are dedicated to aiding victims, offering resources and implementing measures to counteract hate. Furthermore, the initiative "is slated for launch across print, radio and digital platforms, with content available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Tongan, Mixtec and Hmong languages. Newsom highlights that this campaign is geared toward engaging "traditionally hard-to-reach communities." In addition, a letter will be dispatched to all leaders of public schools in the state, underscoring their legal obligations to ensure the inclusion of "ethnic studies curricula," aiming to provide students with a reflection of their presence "within the framework of our state."
Palm Springs Mayor Grace Garner issued a statement regarding the murder of Laura "Lauri" Carleton, in which she stated the city was "shocked and saddened" by news of the shop owner's murder. Carleton was shot and killed for displaying a rainbow pride flag outside of her clothing store in Cedar Glen.
"On behalf of the citizens of Palm Springs, we send our deepest condolences to Lauri's family, friends and to the Cedar Glen/Lake Arrowhead community as they mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, business owner and LGBTQ ally," Garner said. "Hate crimes must never be tolerated. To our Palm Springs LGBTQ citizens, please know that the Palm Springs Police Department takes all hate crimes seriously and is proactively monitoring the events in the Cedar Glen/Lake Arrowhead community. Your city council, public safety and city hall staff are committed to ensuring an inclusive, safe and welcoming community where you are loved, respected and celebrated. Palm Springs is a place for everyone and we pledge to keep you safe.”