Becker & Poliakoff

Combatting Growing Hate Crimes Inside Community Associations with Sarah Emmons, the Florida Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League

Combatting Growing Hate Crimes Inside Community Associations with Sarah Emmons, the Florida Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League

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This week, Donna DiMaggio Berger sits down with Sarah Emmons, the Florida Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), to discuss recent incidents of hate symbols being placed inside community associations, how antisemitism takes root and what can be done to combat it. Specifically, Sarah and Donna discuss the 2022 Weston Hill’s hate crime that took place inside the upscale Hunters Pointe Park community. For over a month, residents were met with ongoing racial slurs and antisemitic messages written on their playgrounds and swastikas in and around the restrooms at the Weston Hills Country Club. Eventually, the Broward Sheriff’s Office were able to arrest three teenagers all of whom lived inside the Hunters Pointe Park community.

At the ADL, Sarah leads Florida’s anti-hate efforts which includes responding to antisemitic and hateful incidents and delivering anti-bias educational programs in schools, colleges, and workplaces. She also leads advocacy efforts that protect marginalized communities. Prior to joining the ADL, Sarah was the Executive Director of Achieve Miami, an education non-profit that seeks to close opportunity gaps for under-resourced youth. Sara holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and a B.A. in Economics from Middlebury College.

Conversation highlights include:

  • How many hate groups are operating in Florida?
  • What are some of the reasons that antisemitism seems to be increasing both in America and around the world?
  • Can society achieve a hate-free world?
  • How many hate groups are operating in Florida
  • Antisemitic statistics in Florida and nationally
  • Understanding what it means to be “antisemitic”
  • What should, or can the Association Board or Manager do when antisemitism rears its head?
  • Is there a correlation between antisemitism and other forms of bigotry?

BONUS: Sarah shares other anti-bias organizations she is working with around the world

About Take It To The Board

Think you know what community association life is all about? Think again. Residents must obey the rules, directors must follow the law, and managers must keep it all running smoothly. Take It To The Board explores the reality of life in a condominium, cooperative or homeowners’ association, what’s really involved in serving on its board, and how to maintain that ever-so-delicate balance of being legally compliant and community spirited. Leading community association attorney Donna DiMaggio Berger acknowledges the balancing act without losing her sense of humor as she talks with a variety of association leaders, experts, and vendors about the challenges and benefits of the community association lifestyle.

If you’ve got a question, Take It To The Board with Donna DiMaggio Berger – We Speak Condo & HOA!

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