The Clayton Equity Commission meeting held on September 12, 2025, focused primarily on the topic of hate crimes, with a detailed presentation outlining the definitions, statistics, and local policies related to such incidents. The meeting began with a clarification of the distinction between hate crimes and hate incidents, as defined by Missouri state law. A hate crime is characterized as a criminal act motivated by bias against a victim's race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability, while a hate incident, though motivated by bias, does not constitute a criminal offense.

The discussion included examples of hate crimes, such as graffiti containing racial slurs, and contrasted these with hate incidents, which might involve offensive speech protected under the First Amendment. The speaker emphasized the importance of understanding these definitions to address community concerns effectively.

The commission reviewed Missouri's hate crime statutes, which enhance penalties for crimes motivated by bias. For instance, property damage motivated by hate can elevate a crime from a misdemeanor to a felony, increasing potential sentences significantly. The meeting also highlighted the city’s policy on hate crimes, established in February 2019, which provides guidance for law enforcement on evidence collection, victim communication, and community outreach.

Data collection was another key point of discussion. The commission submits monthly reports on hate crimes to the FBI, ensuring that local data contributes to national statistics. The speaker noted that the release of images related to hate crimes is often withheld to protect victims' privacy and avoid amplifying hateful messages.

The meeting also reviewed historical hate crime incidents in Clayton, revealing only three documented cases over the past 20 years, with two occurring in 2025. The speaker shared statistics from the FBI indicating that hate crimes have been on the rise nationally, with a slight decrease reported in 2024, yet still marking the second-highest total on record. Notably, anti-Jewish hate crimes saw a significant increase, raising concerns within the community.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges posed by hate crimes and the importance of community awareness and law enforcement preparedness. The commission aims to continue its efforts in educating the public and enhancing policies to combat hate in all its forms.