Illinois Commission on Discrimination & Hate Crimes

06/02/2026

The “Join to Stop Hate” Tour is on the move!

We are partnering with communities to support the work of building social cohesion across the state. This documentary film screening tour focuses on civic engagement, community connection, and discussions on how to counter or prevent hate.

Join us at our second screening in partnership with Wayfarer Theaters. This event is FREE and open to the public. We encourage you to RSVP your ticket as seating is limited.

📅 Monday, June 8
🕢 7PM
📍Wayfarer Theaters Highland Park
🔗 bit.ly/WayfarerScreening

To learn more about how you can bring the Join to Stop Hate tour to your community, email us at [email protected].

06/02/2026

is a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, honor its history, and recognize the power of belonging.

When people feel connected, valued, and accepted for who they are, communities are stronger, safer, and more resilient. That is why creating spaces free from hate, discrimination, and exclusions matters.

This month, we celebrate the diversity that makes Illinois stronger and remain committed to building communities where everyone can live openly, authentically, and with dignity.

Happy Pride Month. 🏳️‍🌈

05/29/2026

Concerns about extremism, bullying and targeted violence are growing across the country. This presentation from CDHC Executive Director Elana Kahn looks at how hate is changing and what we can do about it.

Join us to learn practical strategies to protect at-risk communities, improve public safety, and build resilience.

Registration is required: bit.ly/CSLibraryHSH

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

Last week, we welcomed students, educators, and community members for the first program in the 2026 CDHC Learning Series, “Youth, Belonging, and the Prevention of Targeted Violence.”

The conversation, “Youth Voices: Lived Experiences with Extremism, Targeted Violence, and Belonging,” centered the perspectives of four students from the Illinois State Board of Education Student Advisory Council, who shared thoughtful reflections on creating safer, more connected school communities.

Key takeaways from the discussion:
• Stronger student-counselor connections matter.
• Clubs and activities help foster belonging.
• Creative and engaging approaches to help students reconnect are more effective than cell phone bans alone.

The discussion served as a powerful reminder that creating environments where students feel connected, supported, and heard is critical to preventing harm and strengthening communities.

Learn more about upcoming programming at cdhc.illinois.gov.

05/13/2026

There's still time to register! We hope you'll join us for this important conversation with youth leaders.

We are hosting a CDHC Learning Series event with program partner Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). This is the first in the 2026 CDHC Learning Series: Youth, Belonging, and the Prevention of Targeted Violence.

📅Thursday, May 14
🕢4 - 5PM
💻Virtual via Webex

We hope you'll join us for this important conversation with youth leaders.

Register at: bit.ly/CDHCYouthVoices2026

05/13/2026

Join the Illinois Commission on Discrimination & Hate Crimes for a conversation with student leaders about the rise of extremism and targeted violence, creating a healthy school climate, building cultures of belonging, and what adults can do to support today’s youth. RSVP at https://okt.to/t5NBJM.

05/06/2026

Public service is at the heart of building safer, stronger communities.

This Public Service Recognition Week, we extend our gratitude to the public servants behind the Help Stop State initiative and across Illinois – individuals working every day to prevent hate, support those impacted, and ensure every person feels seen, protected, and respected.

Your dedication helps turn awareness into action and compassion into change. Thank you for standing on the front lines of this work.

04/28/2026

We are hosting a CDHC Learning Series event with program partner Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). This is the first in the 2026 CDHC Learning Series: Youth, Belonging, and the Prevention of Targeted Violence.

📅Thursday, May 14
🕢4 - 5PM
💻Virtual via Webex

We hope you'll join us for this important conversation with youth leaders.

Register at: bit.ly/CDHCYouthVoices2026

04/21/2026

Addressing division starts with meaningful conversation.

CDHC Executive Director Elana Kahn will speak at the One America Movement Summit 2026 on Tuesday, April 28 as part of the Opening Plenary: From Perception to Polarization."

The One America Movement partners with faith communities across religious, political, and racial divides to confront toxic polarization in our society.

Learn more at oneamericamovement.org.