As our CEO Jonathan Greenblatt explains, “this surge in fliering and propaganda distribution powerfully demonstrates how bigots are able to spread their message of hate in anonymity.” It’s important to understand the reach and tactics of this propaganda, including on campus, where extremist groups are seeking to recruit new members.

According to a new report released by ADL’s Center on Extremism, a total of 2,713 cases were reported in 2019, compared to 1,214 in 2018, an increase of 123%. Every state except Hawaii experienced at least one incident.

College campuses continue to be a favorite target for white supremacists, who want to recruit young extremists to their ranks. A quarter of the propaganda incidents in 2019 took place on campuses, especially during the fall semester, when we documented 410 incidents — more than double any previous semester.

Who are the Perpetrators?

Dozens of white supremacist groups distributed propaganda last year, from regional Klan groups to the Daily Stormer Book Clubs to the Patriot Front — which was the most prolific distributor of propaganda in 2019, with incidents in 48 states. View the incidents in your region on our interactive H.E.A.T. Map.

“The barrage of propaganda, which overwhelmingly features veiled white supremacist language with a ‘patriotic’ slant, is an attempt to normalize the white supremacists’ message and bolster recruitment efforts while targeting minority groups,” said Oren Segal, ADL’s Vice President for the Center on Extremism.

Take Action

It’s critically important to expose and disrupt white supremacist activity. And you can join the fight alongside ADL.

• If you see hateful fliers or other propaganda, report these incidents directly to ADL.
• Given the surge in campus incidents, encourage the students and educators you know to use our programs for confronting hate on campus: Think. Plan. Act. provides college students with tools for dealing with anti-Semitic incidents. Hate/Uncycled trains college administrators and law enforcement to prevent and respond to bias and hate incidents.
• Contact your local ADL office to find out about education and training programs that can help make your community a more welcoming and inclusive place.