This week, people in west Eugene were confronted by a rash of hate graffiti. It was painted over after Eugene officials were alerted by the public.
The graffiti was found at several places near 18th and Chambers, including on the bike path near Cesar Chavez Elementary School. It included swastikas, references to “white power” and drawings of male genitalia.
Katie Babits is a Human Rights and Equity Analyst with the city. She says hate activity is not welcome in Eugene. And it’s helpful when crimes of this nature get reported.
“Part of my role is to write an annual report on hate and bias activity within the city of Eugene. And, we know that nationally, hate-based activity is not reported.”
Babits says only about a third of hate activity is reported. It’s best to contact police. She says in the first quarter of 2018 there were 16 hate crimes reported in Eugene. That’s down from last year when there were 24 in the first quarter.
