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Not in Our State: Illinois
Urgently Calls on Residents to Help Stop Hate
[April 24, 2025]
CHICAGO – Illinois has faced an
alarming surge in hate and extremism, following national trends.
Hate crimes have skyrocketed 125% statewide since 2021, with bias
based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity
driving over 95% of incidents. Now, the Illinois Department of Human
Rights (IDHR) and Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate
Crimes (CDHC) urgently call on all residents to report acts of hate
through the Help Stop Hate initiative—a safe, confidential service
that provides support and resources.
“At this moment in time, when some are influencing or condoning
hateful violence and rhetoric, we are encouraging Illinoisans to
take action by reporting all acts of hate,” said Governor JB
Pritzker. “Help Stop Hate not only empowers impacted individuals to
break the cycle of silence and seek specialized support, but it also
helps us foster a safer, more inclusive Illinois.”
“The surge in vitriol, violence and hate-fueled acts in Illinois is
truly distressing. It’s incumbent upon every Illinoisan to make it
clear: hate has no home in Illinois,” said Lieutenant Governor
Juliana Stratton. “Help Stop Hate is a vital tool to empower our
communities by encouraging people to speak up, report what they see,
and stand together against intolerance in all its forms.”
Since its launch, Help Stop Hate
has emerged as a vital lifeline for survivors, offering immediate
relief through anonymous reporting, trauma-informed care, and
connections to services—such as legal aid—to fill gaps where
traditional systems fall short. The service is a statewide priority
that supports targeted individuals while informing new policies for
confronting hate. Still, the state faces significant challenges with
underreported acts of hate, which limits the ability to prevent and
respond to hate effectively. Progress hinges on support from every
Illinoisan.
To further drive awareness and action, IDHR and CDHC have launched a
statewide, multilingual advertising campaign. IDHR and CDHC are also
partnering with local organizations and municipalities across
Illinois to help stop hate. These partners include the City of
Moline, the City of Urbana, the City of Champaign, and Not in Our
Town Bloomington-Normal.
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“Illinois stands
firm in its promise to uphold dignity and respect for all,” said
IDHR Director Jim Bennett. “When our communities are affected by
hate, we respond with action. Help Stop Hate empowers
individuals to heal and reclaim their safety.”
Acts of hate are defined as those that target people based on
their actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion,
ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental
disability, citizenship, immigration status, or national origin.
Hate incidents are categorized into hate crimes, bias-motivated
civil rights violations, and hateful, but legal expressions.
“Hate of any kind causes real harm, not only to the individual
who has been targeted, but to entire communities,” said CDHC
Executive Director Elana Kahn. “And bigotry never sticks to one
community; when it becomes acceptable to target people because
of who they are, none of us are safe. Reporting is an important
first step, to help get support and influence real change for a
better Illinois.”
Help Stop Hate allows Illinoisans to report acts of hate safely
and anonymously, with no affiliation to law enforcement or
immigration authorities. Personal information will only be
shared with law enforcement if legally required and will never
be shared with immigration agencies.
Illinoisans can report online to Help Stop Hate anytime in seven
languages: English, Spanish, Polish, Mandarin, Tagalog, Arabic
or Hindi. The phone line is open between noon and 9 p.m. CT,
Monday to Friday, to English and Spanish speakers. Additional
translation services are arranged as needed. Online and helpline
specialists are equipped to provide resources and referrals to
social service agencies for support with physical and mental
health, trauma-informed care, advocacy, and more.
Victims or witnesses can report acts of hate online anytime at
ILStopHate.org or over the phone at
877-458-HATE (4283) between noon – 9 p.m. CT weekdays.
[Illinois Dept. of Human Rights] |
