Damien Patton, founder and former CEO of Banjo, said the rise in extremism and hate groups can be fought against "if we offer a path to redemption" for those who were previously involved in such groups. 

“Today, the influence of hate groups is growing, amplified by social media and a political climate that normalizes extremist views," Patton wrote in a recent op-ed posted on The Hill. “We can reverse the rise of extremism and hate, but only if we offer a path to redemption.”

“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," he wrote. “My story, though unique, highlights the critical role of community support in rescuing at-risk youth.”

According to a report by the Center for Economic and Policy Research, criminal records reduce the likelihood of receiving a callback or job offer by approximately 50%, and the broader economic impact of underemployment and unemployment among those with criminal histories is estimated to cost the U.S. economy up to $87 billion annually.

Research from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Center for Technology and Society (CTS) identified local community Facebook groups as breeding grounds for harassment and toxic behavior, contributing to the spread of extremism in everyday settings.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of 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 an L.A. 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.