(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – As City Council budget hearings continue, there are calls for increased funding for the agency that deals with hate crimes.
Nancy Andrade, who chairs the Chicago Human Relations Commission, acknowledges that hate crimes, especially anti-Semitism, are on the rise. With Donald Trump back in office, tensions may rise.
“We at CCHR are prepared, prepared and have always been ready to address any form of hatred that arises. The current climate in this country, in particular, is one we are very aware of.
But the commission has only one advocate for victims of hate crimes. North Side Councilwoman Maria Hadden asks if adding one more is enough.
“I would love to see from the chair what it would look like to add more than one additional position. So, if you could from the chair tell us the cost. And I would say that just as colleagues mentioned and you shared the numbers, we have seen an increase in hate crimes and hate incidents,” Hadden said. .
She's not alone in this worry.
The budget of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations is not very large, and neither is the staff. But board member Nicole Lee noted that the need for her services is great now.
“With the rise in hate crimes and reported incidents. What impact has it had on your department? What was the workload like? What is the challenge?
One challenge is that Norman White, who was present at the hearing, is the only hate crime victim advocate on staff, says Nancy Andrade, who chairs the committee.
“We are very busy, very busy. As I mentioned before, we, Norman, are a one-man show and we are very much looking forward to adding Norman so we can be even more impactful.”
Religious hate crimes have risen in Chicago this year, and officials expect a more charged atmosphere with a change in the White House.
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