What's Happening?
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) have announced a partnership aimed at combating anti-Latino hate. This collaboration was unveiled at the 2026 LULAC National Convention in Fort Worth, Texas. The ADL will
co-fund a new position within its Center on Extremism to research and track anti-Latino hate, leading to the creation of the first-ever State of Anti-Latino Hate report. This initiative is part of ADL's broader Embed program, which seeks to foster relationships with marginalized communities and combat extremism. The partnership comes at a time when the ADL is under scrutiny for its focus on antisemitism, with critics from both political spectrums questioning its broader civil rights agenda. The collaboration aims to address the systemic nature of anti-Latino hate, which has been exacerbated by events such as the 2019 El Paso Walmart shooting, the deadliest attack on Latinos in modern U.S. history.
Why It's Important?
This partnership is significant as it highlights the ongoing issue of anti-Latino hate in the United States, which is often intertwined with broader xenophobic and racist sentiments. By collaborating with LULAC, the ADL is expanding its focus to include the Latino community, acknowledging that hate often targets multiple groups simultaneously. The initiative aims to provide data-driven insights into the prevalence and nature of anti-Latino hate, which can inform strategies for law enforcement and community responses. This effort underscores the need for solidarity among minority groups to combat hate and extremism effectively. The partnership also reflects a strategic move by the ADL to address criticisms of its focus and to reaffirm its commitment to fighting all forms of hate.
What's Next?
The partnership will result in the publication of the State of Anti-Latino Hate report, expected to be released at the next LULAC convention in El Paso, marking the eighth anniversary of the El Paso Walmart shooting. This report will serve as a critical tool for understanding and addressing anti-Latino hate. It is anticipated that the findings will influence policy discussions and community strategies to combat hate. The ADL and LULAC will likely continue to collaborate with other organizations and law enforcement agencies to implement the report's recommendations. The initiative may also prompt other civil rights organizations to form similar partnerships, fostering a more unified approach to combating hate across different communities.
Beyond the Headlines
The partnership between ADL and LULAC highlights the complex interplay between different forms of hate and the need for comprehensive strategies to address them. It raises questions about the role of civil rights organizations in navigating political landscapes and balancing their focus on specific issues while maintaining a broader agenda. The initiative also points to the cultural and societal shifts required to change narratives around race and identity in the U.S. By focusing on data collection and analysis, the partnership aims to move beyond anecdotal evidence to create actionable insights that can drive change. This approach may serve as a model for other organizations seeking to address systemic issues of hate and discrimination.
