As the Director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism (CSHE) at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), I am proud to share our mission: to reduce hate and extremism through rigorous research, transformative education, strategic advocacy, and meaningful collaboration.
We are steadfast in our commitment to social justice, actively partnering with communities to address hate crimes, extremist ideologies, and their far-reaching societal impacts. Grounded in the principle of "nothing about us without us," we collaborate with those most affected to ensure that our efforts are inclusive, impactful, and truly representative of the diverse communities we serve.
While acknowledging the importance of accurately documenting hate crimes and analyzing trends, the CSHE research is solution-focused. We identify the causes of hate and extremism and develop effective strategies to support victims, empower communities, and drive meaningful change. By prioritizing community-centered engagement, we recognize that lasting solutions emerge when we work hand-in-hand with those most directly impacted.
Policy advocacy lies at the heart of our mission. By collaborating with community leaders and policymakers, we work to shape meaningful and sustainable reforms that address the structural and systemic roots of hate and extremism. Through leadership development and organizing efforts, we amplify the voices of those most affected to drive actionable change.
Education is a cornerstone of our efforts, equipping individuals, communities, and institutions with the practical skills to identify, respond to, and counter hate and extremism. We design comprehensive curricula and resources for learners of all ages, delivered through diverse platforms, to address the causes of hate and build community resilience. By fostering awareness and critical thinking, we empower individuals, communities, and institutions to take effective action and create lasting impact.
In partnership with law enforcement agencies, we work to enhance responses to hate crimes and extremist activities. Through training, policy guidance, and operational planning recommendations, we aim to improve victim support and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
At the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, we aim to achieve meaningful, effective, and lasting change at the local, state, and national levels. We are dedicated to reducing hate and extremism through cutting-edge research, transformative education, strategic advocacy, and collaborative partnerships while promoting justice, inclusion, and equality.
Thank you for your interest in our work. We invite you to explore our initiatives and partner with us to reduce hate and extremism.
Sincerely,
Steven Merrall
Director, Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism
California State University, San Bernardino