Santa Monica College reported seven hate crimes on campus in 2025, a 250% increase from 2023, The Corsair, SMC's student newspaper, reported on Nov. 12.
The figures come from the college's 2026 Annual Security Report. Of 19 total crimes reported on campus in 2025, seven were classified as hate crimes. In 2023, two religion-based incidents were reported. The Corsair reported the 2025 total also represents a 75% increase from 2024.
Santa Monica College Police Department Chief Johnnie Adams told The Corsair all seven hate crimes in 2025 were "vandalism-related," occurring in a bathroom or public area on campus.
The spike comes as community organizers push to bring United Against Hate Week programming to the college. The Santa Monica City Council issued a proclamation observing United Against Hate Week from Oct. 18 through Oct. 24 during its Oct. 13 meeting. Mayor Caroline Torosis read the proclamation.
Nationally, the FBI reported 10,881 hate crime incidents involving 13,438 victims in 2025, according to U.S. Justice Department data released Aug. 14. Among victims of single-bias incidents, race and ethnicity accounted for 55.6%, followed by religion at 22.9% and sexual orientation at 14.5%.
Campus incidents can be reported to SMCPD at 310-434-4300; emergencies can also be reported by dialing 911 from a campus phone. People who experience or witness hate can text “HATE” to 52211 through LA vs. Hate for confidential reporting and connections to support services. The service supports 15 languages and is separate from law enforcement.
