A new statewide public awareness campaign is helping Connecticut residents better understand what constitutes a hate crime, where to report incidents, and why reporting matters.
The campaign, “Hate Is More Than a Word… It May Be a Crime,” was unveiled on June 8 by the Connecticut Governor’s Hate Crimes Advisory Council. The launch coincided with Governor Ned Lamont’s press conference and signing of Public Act 26-77, legislation recommended by the Council that strengthens and modernizes Connecticut’s hate crimes laws.
Produced by the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) at the University of Connecticut’s School of Public Policy in partnership with Hartford-based Greenlight Productions/GO Agency, the public service announcement highlights the impact of hate crimes and bias incidents on individuals, families, and communities. The campaign also directs residents to Connecticut’s online hate crimes portal, where they can learn more about hate crimes, access educational resources, and report a bias or hate incident.
Individuals facing an immediate threat or emergency are encouraged to call 911 or their local police department.
The campaign’s message is straightforward: hate is more than offensive language or harmful behavior. In some cases, it may constitute a criminal offense with lasting consequences for victims and communities.
In addition to increasing public awareness, the online reporting portal serves as an important tool for data collection and analysis. Information gathered through the portal helps the Hate Crimes Advisory Council identify trends, understand community concerns, and support targeted education and outreach efforts aimed at preventing bias and discrimination before they escalate into criminal acts.
“Hate crimes are often underreported, and many people are unsure where to turn or whether what they experienced should be reported,” said Ken Barone, Associate Director of IMRP and a member of the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council. “Public awareness is an essential part of prevention and accountability. Every resident has a role to play in recognizing hate crimes, understanding their impact, and helping ensure incidents are reported.”
The Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council was established to strengthen the state’s response to hate crimes and bias incidents through policy recommendations, education, community engagement, and improved data collection practices. The Council includes representatives from state government, law enforcement, advocacy organizations, academic institutions, and community stakeholders.
What to do if you, or someone you know, has been the victim of a hate crime
or you have witnessed a hate crime or bias incident in your community:
If you need immediate law enforcement assistance, call 911. Or, to report a hate crime, contact the Connecticut State Police Hate Crimes Investigative Unit at hate.crimes@ct.gov.
Report anonymously or share information at REPORTHATE.CT.GOV. All reported information is collected and analyzed by the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy at UConn. Your input helps improve understanding, tracking, and response efforts of statewide hate crimes and bias-related incidents.
You can also submit a tip to the FBI about a hate crime by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or anonymously online at