The University of San Diego has released a new report on the hostile political climate in Southern California.
The report found that threats and harassment of local officials are causing many to reconsider public service, undermining democratic ideals.
The data for the report was collected via survey responses from elected officials across San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial Counties, as well as analysis of half a million social media posts.
Key takeaways from the report:
- Violent behavior is becoming commonplace: 68% of survey respondents report being threatened or harassed.
- Women are disproportionately targeted: women are three times more likely to be targeted on a weekly basis than their male counterparts.
- Culture of intimidation: 64% of surveyed officials say they dear for their personal safety.
- Threats and harassment could impact representation: women and non-white officials were more likely to consider leaving office than their male and white peers
“While expressing difference of opinion and holding elected leaders accountable are necessary aspects of democracy, there is a line between the freedom to express conflicting viewpoints and the intentional use of intimidation or violence to influence policy decisions,” said Rachel Locke, director of the campus’ Violence, Inequality and Power Lab.
Part of the research involved discussing solutions with members of the public, whose proposals included stricter punishments and public outreach initiatives.
Read the full report here.
