In Champaign, more than 200 participants gathered for the Illinois Together Against Hate conference, organized by the Illinois Department of Human Rights and its partners. The event centered on practical strategies to combat hate and discrimination across communities. Attendees engaged in workshops and discussions aimed at building solidarity and raising awareness of available resources. Illinois residents are encouraged to report incidents of hate or discrimination anonymously online at ILStopHate.org or by phone at 877-458-4283. Organizers highlighted the importance of community action in creating safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone, underlining the ongoing need for vigilance and support.
“The spread of hate and human rights violations is inextricably bound to the erosion of our democracy,” said IDHR Director Jim Bennett. “We are seeing acts of hatred and violence compound. By convening these important conversations, we are taking practical steps to make all Illinoisans safer. We will lead by example, showing America and the world that there is another way forward—one that honors our shared humanity and rejects the politics of fear and division.”
“At a time when presidential rhetoric emboldens extremists and targets vulnerable communities, we are encouraging Illinoisans to take action by reporting all acts of hate,” said CDHC Executive Director Elana Kahn, “This conference represents a critical step forward in amplifying conversations and partnerships. By working together, residents alongside local and state leaders can move the needle on hate and take practical steps to protect our democracy.”
At this year’s summit on combating hate and extremism, Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, founder of the PERIL Lab at American University, delivered the keynote address. Her talk focused on innovative solutions to prevent radicalization, drawing on her expertise as a leading scholar in the field. Participants engaged in workshops tackling discrimination protections specific to Illinois and explored new, evidence-based methods to counter hate. Organizers emphasized the importance of understanding how acts of hate—ranging from crimes and civil rights violations to hateful expression—affect communities. The summit fostered collaboration among advocates, scholars, and policymakers dedicated to creating safer, more inclusive environments.
