Backlash after France launches campaign against racism and anti-Semitism

A newly announced plan to fight racism and anti-Semitism in France is receiving pushback online. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the government would pledge more than $107 million to fund the programme, which increases penalties for crimes fueled by racism and anti-Semitism.

The campaign comes three months after the attack on the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris. “Racism, anti-Semitism, hatred of Muslims, of foreigners and homophobia are growing in an insufferable manner in our country,” Valles told reporters on Friday.

Among the measures included in the three-year campaign are plans to crackdown on racism and anti-Semitism in schools, and the creation a national police unit to monitor hate speech online.