CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Illinois Against Hate Conference: Human Rights in Action brought together more than 200 participants to the iHotel in Champaign to discuss the urgent need to address hate, extremism, and discrimination. The event, hosted by the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC), and the City of Champaign’s Equity & Engagement Department, served as a crucial platform for leaders, civil rights advocates, and human rights professionals to share actionable tools, strategies, and resources for combating hate across the state.

The conference opened with a powerful keynote address by Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, a leading scholar on extremism and radicalization and founder of the Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University. Dr. Miller-Idriss discussed the escalating challenge of extremism in the U.S. and how communities can take proactive steps to prevent hate from growing.

The event also featured a series of workshops and sessions focused on emerging, evidence-based strategies for preventing hate, discrimination, and extremism. Topics ranged from understanding Illinois’ discrimination protections to practical tools for local leaders to counter hate in their communities.

Elana Kahn, Executive Director of the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC), emphasized the timeliness and importance of the conference, noting, “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. 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.”

Kahn added, “This event serves as a structural way to respond to acts of hate, ensuring that Illinois remains at the forefront of efforts to protect our democracy and human rights. Hate is a local issue that requires local solutions. We’re building partnerships and frameworks to prevent extremism before it takes root.”

The conference also featured a session on the Help Stop Hate initiative, which provides Illinoisans with a confidential, safe space to report incidents of hate and bias. This service, launched in October 2024, is integral to helping victims access trauma-informed care and legal aid. “Acts of hate are crimes that go beyond words—they create a ripple effect in our communities,” said Kahn. “We urge everyone to report hate incidents, as we can only take steps toward prevention when we have complete and accurate data.”

Julie Pryde, Administrator of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, reinforced the significance of early intervention, saying, “This program is about primary prevention because once we get to secondary prevention, it’s too late. It needs to start younger, in schools, in communities, on a broader scale. The solution is multi-faceted—it’s about making laws, making hate socially unacceptable, and pointing out what’s harmful to others.”

Pryde highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to tackling hate, one that engages communities, schools, and local governments in proactive prevention. “It’s about changing attitudes and behaviors before they evolve into something far more dangerous,” she said.