Caruso Law Partners with LA vs. Hate in Third-Annual United Against Hate Week

The third annual United Against Hate Week, hosted by LA vs. Hate, a project of the LA County Human Relations Commission, took place November 13–19, 2022. This week of events and awareness-building was created in response to hate crimes happening in the neighborhoods of Los Angeles. 

Public events were hosted throughout the county and ranged from art contests and installations to formal resolutions by individual city governments recognizing this special week. Partners offered bystander and dispute resolution training, speaker panels, and community festivals and block parties. 

Chalak Richards (JD ‘12), dean of students and diversity and belonging at Caruso Law, and the co-chair for the week’s organizing committee, spoke at the press conference kicking off the week at the LA County Hall of Administration. “We believe that our communities are strongest when they stand in solidarity together against all forms of hate and bias and when we focus on expressions of love and kindness,” she noted. 

The goal of United Against Hate Week is to spread awareness of the real dangers of hate crimes and incidents in Los Angeles County, and to promote respect and safety for all. “It is crucial to report acts of verbal or physical aggressions, discrimination, bullying, or harassment that are motivated by hate…so that action can be taken,” said Maribel Marin, executive director of 211 LA, the hotline available to all residents to report hate crimes and be directed to helpful resources.

Richards represents Caruso Law as a community partner of LA vs. Hate. Through this collaboration, Caruso Law alumni and students can provide legal support and help facilitate restorative justice community mediations. Learn more about this important community initiative at the LA vs. Hate website.