Mayor Durkan: Seattle ‘can and must do better’ to combat hate crimes

Mayor Jenny Durkan signed an Executive Order on Tuesday to combat hate crimes and crimes of bias in Seattle. The order requires more transparent and robust data sharing, and new grant programs to fund community-based organizations that are working to prevent hate crimes from occurring.

Hate crimes dramatically on the rise in Washington state

“We know that our city is not immune to the rising levels of toxicity and hate in our country,” Durkan said. “But in Seattle, we know we can and must do better. We are leading with equity and a commitment to learn how the City can address the root causes of hate violence and make our city safer for our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Today I signed an Executive Order to combat hate crimes in Seattle. We know that our city is not immune to the rising levels of toxicity and hate in our country. But in Seattle, we can and must do better. Thank you to @Lisa_Herbold and @SeaCityAttorney for your leadership. pic.twitter.com/GZUnocFg54

— Mayor Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) February 26, 2020

Reported hate crimes have risen across the nation and in Seattle, primarily impacting African American, LGBTQ+, Jewish, and Muslim individuals and communities.

According to a 2019 report from the City Auditor, reports of hate crimes increased by 400 percent between 2012 and 2019.

Seattle sees 346 percent increase in reported hate crimes since 2012

“Every person deserves to feel safe, free from harassment, and respected in Seattle,” said Councilmember Lisa Herbold. “As elected leaders, it’s our responsibility to take action, respond to hate crimes, and prevent future hate and bias crimes from happening.”