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 “We cannot stay silent on hate. We cannot stay silent when
families in our community are in danger. The promise of ‘Never
Again’ requires us to take action,” Governor Rauner said. “Illinois
is a leader in standing up to hate crimes and anti-Semitism, but we
can and must do more.
In a memo to Illinois Director of Public Safety Rodger Heaton and
Secretary of Education Beth Purvis, the Governor outlined a number
of objectives to protect minority communities from hate and
violence. Those objectives are: Strengthening Illinois’ Hate
Crime Law
The Illinois Holocaust and Genocide has proposed legislation to
increase penalties for acts of vandalism against houses of worship
and religious centers. The administration is working with the bill’s
sponsors on HB 2390, and the governor will sign the agreed bill when
it reaches his desk.
Improve Law Enforcement Training and Response on Hate Crimes
In conjunction with the Anti-Defamation League, the Illinois State
Police (ISP) and the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards
Board, the administration will develop a statewide standardized
training plan for state troopers and local police departments.
Illinois will also strengthen its partnerships with the Department
of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Investigation to protect
religious minority institutions across the state. Expand
Anti-Hate Education in Schools
Illinois was the first state in the country to require students
learn about the Holocaust as part of their curriculum. The
administration will work with Illinois State Board of Education to
create a dedicated portal to anti-hate education in support the
state’s requirement to educate our students about the Holocaust.
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Strengthen Illinois’ Landmark anti-BDS Law
Illinois was also the first state in the country to pass legislation to fight
the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement by restricting state pension
funds from investing in countries that boycott Israel. Other states followed
Illinois’ lead, but went a step farther in prohibiting state contracts with
companies that boycott Israel. The administration will work with the General
Assembly to strengthen Illinois’ landmark by prohibiting state contracts for
companies that boycott Israel.
“In a time of rising hate crimes and anti-Semitism, we need to remember that
America is the flagbearer for freedom of religion,” Governor Rauner added. “We
should do everything we can to prosecute those who look to incite hate and
violence against others because of their religion.”
[Office of the Governor Bruce Rauner]
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