Which of the following is considered a type of crime that specifically targets individuals based on their characteristics, such as race or sexual orientation?

The type of crime that targets individuals based on their characteristics, such as race or sexual orientation, is known as a hate crime. Hate crimes are motivated by prejudice and aim to harm people because of who they are. For example, if someone vandalizes a community center because it supports LGBTQ+ rights, that act is considered a hate crime. These crimes are serious because they not only hurt the individual victim but also send a harmful message to the entire community. Understanding hate crimes helps us recognize the importance of respecting and protecting everyone's rights, regardless of their background.