The Oregon Department of Justice (ODOJ), alongside the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC), released the 2024 Bias Crimes Annual Report, revealing complex and concerning developments in bias crime and incident reporting across the state. For the first time since the Bias Response Hotline launched in 2020, overall bias reports declined in 2024. The report examines a range of potential factors behind the decline, including rapid changes in federal law, fears around privacy, confusion between state and federal oversight, and a growing sense that everyday bias is all too common and not worth reporting. Despite the drop in certain reports, the data reflects new trust and participation from some communities, even as others remain underrepresented.

“This report is both a sobering gut check and a call to action. We’re seeing some Oregonians retreat into silence, while others are just starting to feel safe enough to speak up. We’re also seeing harassment aimed directly at the people helping victims. It’s our responsibility to make sure every Oregonian—regardless of background or identity—can be heard, supported, and connected to the help they need. The Hotline exists for them, and we have to keep building trust in that promise.” – AG Rayfield