INSPIRE
Online hate and racism against local elected officials
Funded by the Law Foundation of British Columbia.
Racism and online harassment affect who can enter public office, serve safely and remain in local government. INSPIRE examines these pressures in British Columbia, with a focus on rural communities and racialized elected officials.
Who the research is for
INSPIRE stands for Inclusive Networking & Support for Public Officials in Rural Environments. The research considers mayors, councillors, school board trustees and regional directors, including Indigenous, Black and other racialized officials. It also includes urban counterparts to identify shared concerns and opportunities for support.
What the research found
Barriers to entering and remaining in public office
Colonial legacies, institutional gatekeeping and financial pressures shape participation in local government. Racialized women, 2SLGBTQ+ leaders and people with lower incomes face overlapping forms of discrimination. Campaign costs, lost wages and limited fundraising networks add further obstacles.
Harassment reaches beyond the screen
Participants describe racist abuse, threats and disinformation that target their identities as well as their political positions. Online hostility can extend to home visits and workplace intimidation. Slow or inconsistent platform responses and limited local technical support leave officials with few practical options.
A toll on health and public service
Officials report stress, anxiety, burnout, poor sleep and emotional fatigue. Fear of retaliation and doubts about institutional follow-up discourage reporting. Some choose not to seek re-election, affecting continuity in local leadership.
Support can be difficult to access
Awareness of support services does not consistently lead to their use. Time, cost and concerns about how seeking help will be perceived can stand in the way. Officials need care that reflects their experiences, affordable legal advice and clear municipal reporting procedures.
How the research was conducted
The research combines a literature review, a survey of current and former local elected officials, and interviews with officials and community leaders. Statistical findings and interview themes bring together evidence on racism, online harassment, lived experience and available support.
Priorities for safer local governance
- Provide training, mentorship and networks that respond to the experiences of racialized officials.
- Establish clear reporting procedures and follow-up within municipalities.
- Improve access to mental health support, trauma-informed care and legal advice.
- Coordinate community, civic and platform responses to racist abuse and online harassment.
Read the full report
A 2025 research collaboration between Foundation for a Path Forward and the Centre for Civic Governance at the Columbia Institute, funded by the Law Foundation of British Columbia.
For research inquiries, collaboration or corrections, contact the research team.