ADL: White Supremacist Propaganda Hits All-Time High in 2020, RI Sees 400% increase
Thursday, March 18, 2021
White supremacist propaganda distribution surged across the United States in 2020, with a total of 5,125 cases of racist, antisemitic, and other hateful messages reported by ADL (Anti-Defamation League).
2020 marked the highest level of incidents reported since ADL began tracking such data – an average of about 14 incidents per day, and nearly double the 2,724 cases reported in 2019. Rhode Island saw a dramatic increase in the number of incidents.
ADL’s Center on Extremism (COE) tracked the distribution of racist, antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ fliers, stickers, posters and banners by various members of far-right and white supremacist groups. The annual report found that at least 30 known white supremacist groups were behind hate propaganda efforts, affecting 49 states in 2020.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTNearly every state in New England experienced a significant rise in white supremacist propaganda.
Massachusetts recorded 276 incidents of white supremacist propaganda in 2020, compared to 147 in 2019 and 35 in 2018,
Vermont - 150 incidents in 2020, compared to 81 in 2019, 14 in 2018),
Rhode Island - 52 incidents in 2020, compared to 10 in 2019, and 4 in 2018),
New Hampshire - 48 incidents in 2020, compared to 29 in 2019 and 3 in 2018),
Maine - 13 incidents in 2020, compared to 14 in 2019 and 13 in 2018).
In Rhode Island, there were 13 antisemitic incidents and 14 cases of white supremacist propaganda.
“Across the country and in the New England region, we’ve seen vile racist and antisemitic propaganda appear, targeting minority groups and directing the unsuspecting public to these groups’ websites,'" said Robert Trestan, ADL New England Regional Director. "Hate propaganda often inspires and incites people to act, creating the potential for increased hate crimes. The data clearly shows that white supremacists were emboldened to spread their hateful messaging in 2020 and increase recruiting more than they have in recent years. By spreading their message of hate, white supremacists are afforded with anonymity, a perfect cover to continue these activities while avoiding criminal prosecution.”
In 2020, hate propaganda appeared in every state except Hawaii, with Massachusetts ranking 6th in the country. ADL’s H.E.A.T. Map provides a visual representation of the propaganda distribution efforts by geographic location and can be used to highlight other specific trends.
In response to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by insurrectionists and the overall increase in domestic terrorism in recent years, ADL recently announced the PROTECT Plan to mitigate this threat while protecting civil liberties.
ADL is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antisemitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. ADL is the first call when acts of antisemitism occur. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. More at www.adl.org.
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