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Consultant urges phased, community-driven response to hate speech in Bend; council goal and coalition discussed
Summary
A consultant presenting research on hate and discrimination told the commission the work should be phased and community-driven; Mayor Pro Tem Megan Perkins said the idea began in the community and that council has included anti-hate work in its goals, and commissioners discussed data collection, retaliation concerns and co‑creation of next steps.
A consultant presenting early-stage research on hate and discrimination in Bend urged a phased, community-driven approach and emphasized capacity building and clarity of roles, the commission heard May 12.
"When there are uncertainties... it could create isolation," consultant Hung said, asking commissioners to reflect on what people carry after experiencing hate or discrimination and the difficulties victims face in coming forward. Hung outlined research findings and said recommendations would emphasize co-creation, partnerships and short-term, actionable steps rather than data collection alone.
Mayor Pro Tem Megan Perkins said the effort originated with community concerns about persistent hate speech in Bend and described council’s interest in a timely statement or resolution and a possible coalition with municipal partners such as libraries and schools. "We don't see as much physical violence, but we see a lot of hate speech," Perkins said, noting council had placed related work in its goals.
Commissioners and staff discussed examples from other jurisdictions: some cities collect robust incident data but lose community engagement when no action or follow-through occurs; others create educational and celebration programs tied to funding. Hung warned about retaliation and the small-town dynamics that can make reporting risky.
Next steps: the consultant will continue research and return with recommendations; staff and commissioners discussed possible resolution language, coalition partners and practical next steps that emphasize accountability and community ownership.
