Educational leaders from across Orange County are invited to attend an upcoming convening hosted by OCDE and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office focused on identifying, preventing and responding to hate incidents and hate crimes in school settings.
The no-cost session, titled “Addressing Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents in Schools,” will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 24, at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office in Santa Ana.
Designed for administrators and school leaders, the event will provide practical guidance on how campuses can recognize discriminatory behavior, understand legal responsibilities and access resources that support safe and inclusive learning environments.
Participants will further explore how discriminatory behaviors can affect student achievement and well-being, while reviewing key definitions and criteria used to distinguish hate incidents from hate crimes on school campuses.
The session, featuring welcoming remarks from County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean and District Attorney Todd Spitzer, will also clarify the legal obligations schools have when responding to and reporting these types of incidents.
A 2025 Orange County Grand Jury report examining local hate crimes and incidents noted ongoing challenges related to reporting, coordination and prevention efforts across the county, underscoring the importance of collaboration among schools, law enforcement and community partners.
“Student safety and well-being are foundational to learning and central to our department’s 5-3-1 Strategic Plan,” Bean said. “By partnering with the District Attorney’s Office and community leaders, we can help ensure educators have the knowledge and resources they need to recognize hate incidents, respond appropriately and support school environments where every student feels safe and respected.”
Event details
What: Addressing Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents in Schools
When: Friday, April 24, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Office of the Orange County District Attorney, 300 N. Flower St., Santa Ana
Cost: Free
Registration: ocde.k12oms.org/1252-277394
More info: For questions or accommodation requests, participants may contact Dareen Khatib at dkhatib@ocde.us or 714-327-1083.
Presentations are expected from members of OCDE’s Educational and Legal services divisions. Orange County Deputy District Attorney Courtney Glazer-Mapfumo will also contribute to the effort.
Together, speakers are expected to outline strategies for preventing bias and hate in school communities while helping educators understand how to respond when incidents occur, organizers said.
The April 24 event is part of an ongoing partnership between OCDE and the District Attorney’s Office to provide educators with timely information and resources related to school safety, student well-being and legal compliance.
Educational leaders interested in attending are encouraged to register online by April 23.
