Debra Silverstein

Hate crimes keep increasing. Here's what Chicago is doing about it.

Last year, Black and Brown residents, Muslim Americans, Jewish Americans, members of the LGBTQ+ community and others were targeted in hate crimes more than 300 times. Smart new policies, zero tolerance, cooperation and unity can defeat hate.

By Debra Silverstein

Ald. Jessica Fuentes speaks into a microphone about the crisis in Gaza during a City Council Committee on Health and Human Relations meeting Dec. 18.

Other Views

City Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza is deeply flawed

The Committee on Health and Human Relations voted on a one-sided resolution, Ald. Debra Silverstein writes. The council must also advocate for the release of hostages and condemn the violence against Israeli citizens.

By Debra Silverstein

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx and law enforcement officials listen as Rabbi Baruch Hertz speaks during a press conference at Congregation B’nei Ruven, 6350 N. Whipple St. in West Rogers Park, about hate crime charges filed against a man accused of spray-painting yellow swastikas on a synagogue and on the grounds of a Jewish high school on the North Side, Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 1, 2022. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Other Views

Making the city’s hate crimes ordinance stronger is long overdue

Statistics show hate crimes in Chicago are at a nearly 30-year high. The proposed “Chi vs. Hate” ordinance will allow the city to report and track non-criminal hate incidents that are often precursors to hate crimes.

By Debra Silverstein