CHICAGO – On June 27, the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR) will release the City of Chicago’s first annual Hate Crime and Hate Incident Report at a joint Chicago City Council hearing of the Committee on Health and Human Relations and Committee on Public Safety. 

This joint hearing serves as an opportunity for City officials to discuss the state of hate crimes and hate incidents in Chicago. The hearing is being held pursuant to a provision in the City’s hate crimes ordinance, which was amended in December 2023 to include hate incidents. The amendment also calls for the CCHR to provide the joint committee with an annual report on hate crimes and hate incidents. 

As a city, we stand united against hate in all its forms and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, safe community for all residents,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This report highlights the efforts we have made in addressing hate, and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice in Chicago.” 

CCHR Chair and Commissioner Nancy C. Andrade will provide the joint committee with an overview of the CCHR’s report on the status of hate crimes and hate incidents for 2024. 

The CCHR is proud to share its report with the committee, which provides insights on the work of CCHR in addressing hate crimes and hate incidents in Chicago,” said CCHR Chair and Commissioner Nancy C. Andrade. “Hate against any group or individual in our city is unacceptable. Working with the Chicago Police Department, as well as our partners at 311 and Streets and Sanitation, we not only want to prevent hate crimes, but we also want to prevent hate incidents from impacting our residents.” 

Hate incidents under the ordinance are non-criminal acts targeting victims based on one’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected class. It is important that hate incidents are reported so the police can track these acts, which may be precursors to hate crimes. 

The City’s response to hate crimes and hate incidents includes enhanced support services for victims, increased public awareness campaigns, and strengthened partnerships with community organizations. The commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing hate crimes is vital for building trust and ensuring the safety of all residents. 

While the hate crimes ordinance has been in effect since 1989, hate incidents had not been addressed in the legislation. The amendment adding hate incidents to the hate crimes ordinance became effective January 24, 2024, and requires the City to track reports of hate incidents through 311. The Chicago Police Department and the CCHR work together to address these incidents. In addition, the Department of Streets and Sanitation works quickly to remove hateful graffiti following the investigation of these acts by the police. 

The CCHR serves as the civil rights agency for the City of Chicago. The agency works proactively to prevent hate crimes by providing human relations workshops on topics including bullying, conflict resolution, and hate crimes, and facilitates peace circles for youth and adults in English and Spanish. The CCHR also advocates for and assists victims of hate crimes. 

In addition, the CCHR mediates community tensions, and investigates and adjudicates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit. For more information, contact the CCHR at CCHR@cityofchicago.org, or 312-744-4111. 

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