The Chicago Commission on Human Relations, responding to increasing attacks and negative comments aimed at anyone perceived as Arab or Muslim, held a press conference Sept. 14.
In the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks on the East Coast, the CCHR gathered together representatives from its Advisory Councils on African, Arab, Immigrant and Refugee, Latino, Veterans Affairs, Women, and Gay and Lesbian Issues.
"The epic and tragedy carries the added threat of inciting misguided and misplaced acting-out of feelings of revenge," CCHR stated. "The public is being reminded of the need to act responsibly during this time of profound crisis, consistent with the American creed of respect for diversity and respect for the law."
The Cook County Commission on Human Rights adopted a statement at its regular monthly meeting Sept. 13. It read, in part: "Fanaticism has existed worldwide and throughout history. It is not confined to any creed or ethnic group. It is the enemy of tolerance and individual rights. To combat it, Americans must not trample on them. Cook County and the United States comprise a mosaic of beliefs and ethnicities. The victims of this week's crimes as well as those working to assist them are drawn from that mosaic. Murder is an evil; diversity is an asset. We call on everyone to preserve the distinction between them.
"In responding to the crimes of this week, we as Americans must honor human rights, civil liberties, and tolerance. Otherwise, we will emulate our enemies, and they will have won.
"The hatefulness of this week's crimes cannot justify hate crimes in response. We deplore any acts of discrimination and violence committed in the name of avenging the events of Sept. 11. Cook County must be free of such reactions. We call on all residents of Cook County to rise above hatred, respect the rights of all, and unite in combatting fanaticism as the true foe revealed this week."
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights ( UCCR ) has established a hotline for reports of hate crimes against Arab American, Muslim, and South Asian American victims of violent incidents following the hijacking attacks. The hotline number is 800-552-6843. The American Arab Anti-discrimination Committee has compiled over a list of more than 200 incidents of hate crimes and harassment against Arab Americans, Muslims, and others following the attacks.
The City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations urges all Chicagoans who are victims of threats, harassment, or hate crimes to contact the police ( Tel. No. 911 ) and the Commission ( 312-744-4111 ) immediately and the UCCR hotline ( 800-552-6843 ) . In addition, if victims would prefer community assistance, they are urged to call the Horizons Anti-Violence Hotline at 773-871-CARE ( 773-871-2273 ) .
Victims from the LGBTQ communities who would like assistance from the Commission may call Mayor's GLBT liaison Bill Greaves directly at 312-744-7911.
William W. Greaves
Director/Community Liaison
Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian Issues City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations 740 N. Sedgwick Street, Room 300
Chicago, IL 60610
312-744-7911