K-Screen Shots (CC BY 2.0)

Series: Hate In Wisconsin

Overt expressions of hatred along lines of race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sexuality and gender identity surged across the United States during the campaign and following the election of President Donald Trump. While American society has long grappled with discrimination and systemic disparities, attacks on immigrants, Muslims and others have emboldened organized hate groups and bigoted individuals. Wisconsinites have experienced the reemergence of public hate in a variety of forms, in places around the state. Amid this wave of incidents, various educators, elected officials and community groups have continued to push for tolerance and communication in a state that has a long history of immigration and continues to grow more diverse.
 
A memorial near the Gates of Heaven synagogue in Madison's James Madison Park was spray-painted with swastikas and a pro-President Donald Trump message in large red letters hours before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
Experts who study hate and bias-related acts say recent anti-Semitic incidents in Wisconsin are part of a nationwide trend that has created tension in communities, schools and workplaces.
The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks "hate" groups nationwide, has identified nine such groups operating in Wisconsin.
A May 2017 meeting at Mackesey's Irish Pub in downtown Madison would establish the Wisconsin chapter of an emerging national group called the Proud Boys.