In the last decade, we’ve seen a troubling surge in the radicalization of minors online, leading to violent acts in cities across America, from Charlottesville, Va., to our most prestigious universities. Many of these young individuals are capable of leading productive lives if given the chance to reform. Yet, their current paths, fueled by hate, could irreversibly destroy their futures.
We must act now. Our focus should be on crafting legislation that allows young people convicted of nonviolent or property crimes related to hate movements to atone for their actions and reintegrate into society. This approach offers these youths a way out of the cycle of hate, and deprives extremist groups of a potent propaganda tool: these kids’ belief that they have no other options.
The most important lesson I have learned is that escaping hate is always possible.
When I was 17, my life was saved by my family and community after I escaped a white supremacist group that had coerced and trafficked me across the country from the age of 15. This experience was a turning point, demonstrating that redemption and change are possible even after grave mistakes.
History shows us that America has embraced forgiveness to heal divisions. Gerald Ford’s amnesty for Vietnam draft evaders, Jimmy Carter’s amnesty for military deserters, and Ronald Reagan’s amnesty for undocumented immigrants all illustrate the potential for bipartisan solutions to complex issues. While these policies had flaws, they succeeded in uniting people and paving paths to rehabilitation.
Today, the influence of hate groups is growing, amplified by social media and a political climate that normalizes extremist views. Hate thrives in environments where communities are divided, and we must recognize that no political faction is immune to this poison. It festers in any space that closes itself off to empathy and understanding. The recent surge of antisemitism should be a wake-up call for every American.
My own journey began with severe abuse and homelessness. At 14, seeking refuge, I fell into the clutches of skinheads who exploited my vulnerability, providing a false sense of security. Despite their ideology, my involvement was driven by a desperate need for acceptance. Even though I was secretly Jewish, their supposed protection led me into their dark world. The turning point came with a violent act against a synagogue, forcing me to confront the perilous path I was on.
At 17, I took a stand, pleading guilty to juvenile delinquency and cooperating with law enforcement to testify against my captors. This was a terrifying ordeal, but it allowed me to escape, secure a military career, gain an education, and eventually thrive in the tech industry. My story, though unique, highlights the critical role of community support in rescuing at-risk youth.
Yet without a structured legal pathway for redemption, young people may be burdened by criminal records that hinder their chances for education, employment, and a fresh start. We urgently need to address this gap.
The upcoming presidential election presents a vital opportunity to address these issues at a national level. Candidates must prioritize policies that protect at-risk youth from falling prey to hate groups, investing in education, mental health services and supportive community programs. However, these efforts will be in vain without a legal framework that facilitates forgiveness and reintegration.
Regardless of the election outcome, criminal justice reform that tackles the root causes of hate and provides redemption pathways for young offenders must be a priority. We have the chance to make a meaningful difference and prevent a future where more young lives are marred by extremism and violence. Now is the time to act, to ensure that every individual has a chance to escape the shadows of hatred and build a future worthy of true American ideals.
Damien Patton, founder and former CEO of Banjo, is an influential figure in the AI and tech industries. A former member of a white supremacist gang during his teenage years, he is now one of the Anti-Defamation League’s most outspoken advocates for improving anti-hate initiatives on social media and for promoting inclusion and accessibility in tech.
