Damien Patton, founder and former CEO of Banjo, said the country and its leader should focus on legislation that allows young people convicted of nonviolent crimes related to hate movement "to atone for their actions and reintegrate into society. "

“We can reverse the rise of extremism and hate, but only if we offer a path to redemption," Patton wrote in a recent op-ed posted on The Hill. “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," he wrote. “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.”

A recent ADL survey revealed that 56% of Americans have experienced online hate or harassment, underscoring the pervasive reach of extremist ideologies through digital platforms.

In response to the rise in antisemitism and other hate crimes, a bipartisan group of lawmakers proposed new legislation aimed at preventing hate-based violence and providing stronger protections for vulnerable communities.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), has advocated for replacing ‘cancel culture’ with ‘counsel culture,’ emphasizing that everyone has an inherent degree of dignity and the capacity for redemption.

Damien Patton is the founder and former CEO of Banjo and a leader in the AI and technology sectors. Once a member of a white supremacist gang in his youth, he has since become a vocal advocate for the Anti-Defamation League, championing efforts to combat hate on social media and promoting greater inclusion and accessibility within the tech industry.