Carbondale Alerts
CITY OF CARBONDALE INVITES COMMUNITY TO “HELP STOP HATE” CONVERSATION
CARBONDALE -
The Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC) is collaborating with the City of Carbondale to host a “Help Stop Hate: Carbondale Community Conversation” on Monday, August 25 at 6:00 p.m. the Carbondale Civic Center.
“Carbondale is a diverse and resilient community,” said Stan Reno, City Manager of Carbondale. “Every resident deserves to feel safe, valued and heard. This event gives us a chance to listen and learn from one another. It also helps us take real steps to confront hate and discrimination and the damaging effects of both. We’re proud to partner with the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes to bring this important conversation to our City.”
The Help Stop Hate initiative, launched by the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and CDHC, provides a confidential and accessible way for Illinois residents to report incidents of hate and discrimination anonymously. The program also connects individuals to local, trauma-informed support networks, fostering safer and more inclusive communities across the state.
“Hate of any kind can cause 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.”
During the conversation, CDHC Executive Director Elana Kahn and representatives from CDHC/IDHR will facilitate a dialogue to hear directly from Carbondale residents about their experiences with discrimination and hate. The input gathered will help guide the state’s future strategies for confronting hate and creating safer communities.
This upcoming event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the community conversation will begin around 6:00 p.m. Light refreshments and beverages will be available. Seating is limited and registration is required. For more information, please contact Dianah McGreehan at dmcgreehan@carbondaleil.gov or call 618-457-3282.
To learn more about Help Stop Hate or to report acts of hate and discrimination online visit ILStopHate.org or reach out to a trained operator at 877-458-HATE (4283) between noon – 9 p.m. CT weekdays.
For media requests contact Public Relations Officer Eva Fisher at 618-713-0711.
“Carbondale prides itself on providing its visitors, students, businesses and residents with a unique mix of edge and ease. It’s a cultural town, yet free of pretense, embracing the great outdoors as readily as urban sophistication. Here, we are open to new ideas, experiences and cultures, so you are encouraged to both express yourself and be yourself, in all ways. That’s Carbondale…All Ways Open…for family, fun, business, new ideas and a bright tomorrow.”
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