Youth and the Rise of Hate Speech

December 27, 2024

By Felicia D. Roberts CVV News

On December 27, 2024, Central Valley Voice hosted a Town Meeting highlighting concerns that impacts our students and community. The meeting delved into the rise of hate speech in schools and communities. Participants, including educators, community leaders, and stakeholders in youth development, shared their experiences and insights on the issue. It was unanimously agreed that the root of the problem lies within households and families. This realization empowers us to take action, as it means that addressing hate crimes should start at home and involve educating young people about the consequences of hate. The crucial role of community involvement, mentorship, and positive reinforcement in supporting underperforming students and their families was also underscored, making us all feel integral to the solution.

Allen Brooks-Guest Panel

• Will continue expanding the “Dads on Duty” program at schools.
• Will implement a comprehensive tutoring program for all students, including those with transportation issues.
• Continue to develop wraparound services for families, including job training and resource connections.
• Will set up information booths at school sports events to provide resources and support to parents.
• Merced City School Board will improve communication with parents by focusing on positive reinforcement and student strengths.
• Merced City School Board will create a plan to address the needs of the lowest.

Addressing Hate Speech in Schools

The participants in the meeting focused on discussing the rise in hate speech in schools and communities. Effie Gold, and Adolphus Speights, shared their roles and affiliations. Effie is a registered nurse, volunteer for the school district, and CNA teacher. Adolphus is a retired military personnel and a board member of Lifeline CDC in Merced. The meeting continued with the guest panel, Allen Brooks, to discuss the topic further.

Addressing Hate Crimes in Asian Community

The Town Hall was a meaningful discussion about the rise of hate crimes in the Asian community, referencing a $1 million state legislature allocation in 2021 to address the issue. Adolphus and Effie agreed that the root of the problem lies within households and families rather than in the community or schools. They suggested that addressing hate crimes should start at home and involve educating young people about the consequences of hate. Adolphus also asked for a definition of hate crime, which Central provided as an attack on another group due to their skin color or ethnicity.

Addressing Hate Crimes and Bullying

Effie and Adolphus discussed the prevalence of hate crimes and bullying in the United States, particularly in the context of ethnicity, sexual orientation, and political views. They both expressed disappointment in the current state of affairs and attributed the issue to a society that has allowed differences to define people. Adolphus shared his personal experience of living in the South during a time of racial tension but emphasized that his upbringing taught him to respect people regardless of their background. Effie, who immigrated to the US in 1983, questioned why such strong divisions exist in a country that prides itself on being a melting pot of cultures. Both agreed that the issue is not just about skin color, but also about cultural differences and political views.

Addressing Youth Behavior and Parenting

Adolphus and Effie led a thought-provoking discussion on the issue of youth behavior and the pivotal role of parents in shaping it. They stressed that the problem lies with the adults, not the children and that the issue needs to be addressed at home before it can be effectively tackled in schools. This emphasis on parental responsibility should motivate us all to act, as it suggests that parents need to take responsibility for their actions and demonstrate better behavior to their children. Effie also proposed the idea of mandatory parenting classes to help parents learn how to raise their children effectively. Central agreed with their views and emphasized the need to work on the parents more, leaving us all with a sense of responsibility and a call to action.

Addressing Hate in Schools Discussed

In the meeting, the participants discussed the issue of hate and its impact on children in schools. Mr. Allen Brooks, the President of the Merced City School Board and the current President of the NAACP Chapter took part in the conversation. Brooks shared his experiences and insights on the topic, emphasizing the importance of parent engagement in education. He highlighted the issue of the N-word being used in schools and the need for policies to address this. Mr. Brooks also pointed out the lack of plans in many school systems to improve the performance of African American students, suggesting that a resolution should be made to address this issue.

Community Involvement in Education Support

Adolphus and Brooks discussed the responsibility of parents in their children’s education and the need for community involvement in supporting underperforming students. Adolphus emphasized that parents should be the first line of support for their children’s education and that the school system should not solely be responsible for identifying and addressing underperformance. Brooks agreed, suggesting that the community should step in to advocate for these students when parents are unable to do so. They also discussed the importance of mentorship and positive reinforcement in helping students succeed. Effie added that the family environment plays a significant role in a child’s education and that community resources should be utilized to support needy families. This call for using community resources should make us all feel compassionate and committed to helping those in need.

Mentorship Roles for Men in Schools

Adolphus and Brooks discussed the importance of men taking on mentorship roles in their communities, particularly in schools. They agreed that many men are not fulfilling their roles as mentors and are not setting a good example for children. Brooks shared his experience as the President of the NAACP and school board, where he participated in ‘Dads on Duty’ to be visible and supportive on school campuses. Central then joined the conversation, emphasizing the need for wraparound services for families and children, including tutoring and mentoring.

If you are a hate crime victim or witnessed a crime call the Hotline @ 833-8-NO-HATE

This resource was supported by in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the State of California Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate program. The program is supported by partnership with the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to: https://www.cavshate.com