Conflict between Blacks and Latinos (and Many Immigrants) in L.A. Schools

Reported incidents of hate crimes in Los Angeles County increased for the first time in four years, while such incidents in schools have more than doubled from last year, according to a report released Thursday. The 26% spike in reported countywide hate crimes last year was fueled primarily by a nearly 50% jump in racially motivated offenses, especially toward immigrants and between African Americans and Latinos, according to an annual analysis by the county Commission on Human Relations. Click here for the L.A. Times story.

This is a disturbing report.  We all should consider what can be done to help calm such tensions and conflicts.  I am not convinced that the answer is somehow striving to “close the borders,” which does not seem possible or practical.  Policies that foster integration of immigrants into society and help build trust and understanding between communities, are the kinds of things that might help.

KJ