Confronting Hate: Pasadena Mobilizes as Schools Face Rising Incidents

Four out of five hate incidents involving young people in California unfold inside schools, according to state data—one reality driving Pasadena’s collective response to discrimination and division in education, and in the community.

This week, October 19–25, 2025, declared “United Against Hate Week” by Mayor Victor M. Gordo and the City Council, culminates Saturday with a public hearing by the California Commission on the State of Hate, focused specifically on hate and discrimination in K–12 schools. The hearing, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at City Hall following a community Walk to Freedom, invites testimony from students, families, educators, and school board members.

The timing reflects escalating statewide trends. Between 2022 and 2023, 2.6 million Californians age 12 and older experienced hate acts, according to the California Health Interview Survey. Hate-crime offenses rose 8.9 percent in 2024 to 2,568 incidents statewide.

Councilmember Tyron Hampton and the Pasadena Branch of the NAACP have been active in driving local outreach to the state commission hearing, gathering community feedback through surveys to document local experiences.

“The importance of hearing from students, families, educators and school board members on the work to eliminate discrimination in our school system” cannot be overstated, said Jouslynn Griffin, Chair of WIN (Women in NAACP), emphasizing the need for direct testimony at the state hearing.

The Walk to Freedom on Saturday, October 25, begins at 8:30 a.m. at Day One, 175 North Euclid Avenue, with coffee and family activities centered on art, dialogue, and civic engagement. At 9:30 a.m., participants can walk to City Hall with community partners or remain at Day One. A group ceremony at 11:00 a.m. celebrates unity and shares testimonials on education, preceding the state commission hearing at 11:30 a.m. Translation and specialized language support are available by advance request. Events are free; optional donations support programming.

The week, coinciding with October’s designation as Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, represents the latest phase of efforts dating to 2022, when Western Justice Center and the city’s Human Relations Commission began partnership work. That collaboration has trained every Pasadena Unified School District campus in restorative practices, peer mediation, and community circles.

The coalition includes Western Justice Center, Day One, Collaborate PASadena, NAACP, Muslim Public Affairs Council, San Gabriel Valley Jewish Federation, Stars, and the Center for Restorative Justice, among others. The Human Relations Commission formally accepted the city’s proclamation October 7, represented by Sandy Greenstein and coalition partners.

Additional programming includes Community Peacekeeper volunteer training led by CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice), covering de-escalation and community safety practices for youth and adults. Organizers have discussed potential additional activities including a Community Love-In festival with Day One, an event with the Southern Poverty Law Center, and toolkits for faith and nonprofit leaders, though specific dates and details have not been publicly announced.

The initiative connects to LA vs. Hate, a countywide program promoting inclusivity. The Western Justice Center honored Eliot Arts Magnet Academy and McKinley School of the Arts with the Dorothy W. Nelson Peacemakers Award for collaborative healing after the Eaton Fire.

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