Gov. Bruce Rauner recently stepped up to the plate and took a swing at the increase of hate crimes and anti-Semitism that has plagued the nation recently.
During his remarks March 8 at the Illinois Holocaust Museum Humanitarian Awards dinner, he revealed plans to combat the growing issue.
“We cannot stay silent on hate," Rauner said. "We cannot stay silent when families in our community are in danger. The promise of ‘Never Again’ requires us to take action. Illinois is a leader in standing up to hate crimes and anti-Semitism, but we can and must do more.”
Rauner said he would sign HB 2390, a measure that strengthens Illinois' hate crime laws, as soon as it passes through the legislature and reaches his desk.
Rauner also laid out four objectives for dealing with hate crimes.
On the legislative front, Illinois hate crime laws will include protections for churches, houses of worship and religious centers, he said. The state also will expand current laws to prohibit contracting with companies that are involved in anti-Semitic boycotts of Israel.
Law enforcement training will be standardized so local law enforcement personnel will know the appropriate responses to situations involving hate crimes and anti-Semitic incidents.
The administration also plans to work with the Illinois State Board of Education and build a portal to anti-hate education that would include the Holocaust and genocide. The curriculum and resources will be made available to all K-12 schools.
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