According to state leaders, hate and bias crimes are happening more frequently to specific populations in New Jersey. In 2021, more than 1,800 bias incidents were reported in the state, 29% more than the previous year. Anti-Asian hate crimes were up 87% and anti-LGBTQ crimes rose 65%. Racially motivated crimes against Black and Jewish residents were also up.
At a conference on Tuesday in Newark, law enforcement officials, faith-based leaders and advocacy organizations gathered to explore the root cause of bias, hate and violence and find ways to combat them.
One reason to which the increases are attributed is that more people are coming forward to report incidents, thanks to new systems making it easier to do so. Officials say hateful rhetoric, especially from people in positions of power or on social media, are contributing to the rise.
“The majority of the reported instances of bias were verbal. And, thankfully, none resulted in the death of any New Jerseyan,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “I fear for what our statistics could be if we did not have in place the smart and strong gun safety laws which have made us a national model.”
