Stat of the [Tues]Day: Rise in Hate Groups

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the number of hate groups in the United States is on the rise. Here are the stats:

• 926: number of active hate groups identified by the SPLC in 2008
• 54%: the rise in the number of hate groups from 2000 to 2008
• 4%: the rise in the number of hate groups from 2007 to 2008
• 40%: the rise in hate crimes against Latinos from 2003 to 2007, according to the FBI

As explanation for the rise in hate groups and hate violence, the SCLC cites the immigration debate, the economic crisis, and the election of Barack Obama.

You can read more about the SCLC's findings here.