The Orlando Sentinel recently quoted Simma in an editorial arguing that Florida and many other states aren’t doing enough to combat a rise in hate crimes. According to the piece, the number of hate groups in the United States (926) jumped 4 percent last year and is up over 50 percent in the last decade. In the quote, Simma made it clear that the onus is on municipalities to protect minority groups during this rise in extremism.

Local municipalities must take stock of what measures are in place within their walls to counter hate and “set an example, create an environment where people are comfortable discussing those issues and constituents are comfortable bringing those issues to them”

Learn more about the recent rise and threat of hate groups in the United States by viewing the Southern Poverty Law Center‘s fascinating Hate Groups Map.

Simma has also written several articles on diversity and the importance of integrating minority groups into the workplace including the following titles:

• How to Integrate Diversity into Your Business Strategy
• Diversity Benefits Organizations and Communities
• Diversity Competence Assessment