Salt Lake County leaders join Community Partners Against Hate to speak out against hate crimes and bias incidents during United Against Hate Week
Today, the Community Partners Against Hate, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, Salt Lake County Council Chair Dea Theodore, Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera, and Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill held a press conference to call attention to United Against Hate Week. They were joined by the County Council and the County’s Independent Elected Officials.
United Against Hate Week is an annual, national effort to stop hate and implicit biases that are a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities.
During the press conference, a County Proclamation was read to name this week United Against Hate Week in Salt Lake County.
This week is timelier than ever before. In recent years, Utah and Salt Lake County have seen hate crimes directed at individuals based on religion, race, political expressions, sexual orientation, gender, and ethnicity. The way we treat one another matters. Hostility, anger, and violence cut at the threads of our social fabric.
United Against Hate Week affirms Salt Lake County’s commitment to building communities grounded in safety, kindness, and mutual respect. This requires intentional effort from everyone to cultivate compassionate communities in every corner of the county.
“Salt Lake County is known around the globe for our welcoming and compassionate community members. I've seen our residents in action, extending kindness to neighbors and strangers whether it's a large event like the Olympics, a natural disaster, or a neighborhood gathering,” shared Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “In a time when our nation is more divided than it's ever been, we must stand united with a common goal of goodwill, acceptance, and respect. Working together, Salt Lake County is committed to programs, policies, and practices that focus on the wellbeing of all our residents, throughout their lifetime and, especially, when they are the most vulnerable.”
“In Salt Lake County, we believe our strength comes from our unity. While our nation may face division, here we chose a different path, one of respect, understanding, and community. United Against Hate Week is a reminder that hate has no home in our neighborhoods, our schools, or our hearts,” said Salt Lake County Council Chair Dea Theodore. “We stand together across backgrounds, beliefs, and identities, to ensure every person feels safe, valued, and included. In Salt Lake County, we do better because we are better when we stand united against hate.”
“Hate is a virus that spreads if left unchecked. It is incumbent on all of us to stand up against hate,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. “If you are a victim or witness to a hate crime or bias incident, I urge you to report it to law enforcement. We need these incidents reported so it can be investigated. If it isn’t reported, it can’t be investigated, and if it isn’t investigated, it can’t be prosecuted.”
"Hate and bias have no place in Salt Lake County. Our duty in law enforcement is to protect every member of our community and ensure that victims are heard and supported. Reporting these incidents is vital to public safety. It gives us the information we need to investigate, hold offenders accountable, and connect victims with resources,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera. “Every report helps prevent future harm and strengthens the safety of our communities. Whether you are a victim, a witness, or an advocate for someone else, your report makes a difference."
“We need the public to help report potential offenders in time to prevent the progression of anger turning to hate, and hate turning to violence. We need everyone’s help to do that,” said Dr. Jay Jacobson, Chair of the Community Partners Against Hate. “Let’s work together to make Utah no place for hate.”
For more information on United Against Hate Week, please visit their website: unitedagainsthateweek.org