(Corvallis, OR)  --  Trial proceedings are underway in the hate crime case against an Oregon State University student.  Andrew Oswalt is accused of plastering the cars of social justice activists with racist bumper stickers.  The Oregonian reports that Oswalt has white nationalist ties and a pattern of racist activities.  Prosecutors say it's the first bias crime to go before a Benton County jury in nearly a decade.  Reports of hate crimes are on the rise both nationwide and in Oregon.