Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced on Nov. 20 the creation of a new State Police task force. Called the Hate Crimes Awareness and Response Team, the unit will be “dedicated [to] tracking hate crimes, responding to incidents and working in broad partnerships to prevent it from spreading.”
“Every single person in Massachusetts deserves to live a life free from fear, discrimination, and hatred,” she said at the press conference where she made the announcement yesterday. “The diversity of our community is a source of strength.”
Reports The New Bedford Light:
Healey, the first woman and openly gay governor, was joined by a wide-ranging group of local, state, and federal law enforcement to announce the initiative, which comes shortly after a September report documented 440 hate crimes last year — the highest number since 2002.
The state police task force will be dedicated to enhancing federal, state and local partnerships and “liaising with community leaders,” according to the governor’s office. The goal is to strengthen statewide response to hate crimes and incidents, and each task force member will be responsible for specific geographic areas of the state.
In 2022, hate crimes that were motivated by the victim’s race, ethnicity or national origin represented more than half of all hate crimes. Bias against religious groups and bias against sexual orientation were the next most common motivators. …
Healey’s plan follows guidance from a 2019 task force that recommended an education-based approach to preventing hate crimes. The report, received by then-Gov. Charlie Baker, said that schools were “critical to creating a more inclusive and respectful society that experiences fewer hate crimes.”
A total of $462,000 will be awarded to 10 commonwealth school districts for professional development that can help educators identify and intervene when hate incidents arise. The funds will also help schools collaborate with community groups and other partners.
“Far too often [schools] are on the frontlines of confronting bias-motivated incidents and can be instrumental in preventing hate and creating safe environments for students and their families,” Gov. Healey said. “We are backing up that commitment with resources and investments.”
