To help you understand your rights and protections, the City of Philadelphia is creating action guides on federal policies. The action guides include facts, ways you can help, and other resources.
Get informed
A “hate crime” is a criminal offense (e.g. vandalism, threats, assault, and murder) that is motivated by prejudice or bias and is directed at people because of their real or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, or disability. If you see something say something. First, call 911 to report when a crime is occurring regardless of whether hate is involved. Then, inform the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) who also investigates acts of hate and violence.
Know the facts
What is a hate crime?
Under federal and Pennsylvania laws, a hate crime is a criminal act (e.g. vandalism, threats, assault, and murder) that is motivated by prejudice or bias and is directed at people because of their real or perceived race, color, religion, or national origin. Philadelphia also has a local hate crimes ordinance that covers offenses committed because of a victim’s real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, or disability.
Between the 2016 presidential elections and the 2018 national midterm election, the PCHR has received 165 reports of hate and bias incidents. This number is roughly 300% greater than reports received prior to November 2016. And, these numbers likely represent only a fraction of the hundreds more occurrences that go unreported in the city.
Under federal and Pennsylvania laws, a hate crime is a criminal act (e.g. vandalism, threats, assault, and murder) that is motivated by prejudice or bias and is directed at people because of their real or perceived race, color, religion, or national origin. Philadelphia also has a local hate crimes ordinance that covers offenses committed because of a victim’s real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, or disability.
Between the 2016 presidential elections and the 2018 national midterm election, the PCHR has received 165 reports of hate and bias incidents. This number is roughly 300% greater than reports received prior to November 2016. And, these numbers likely represent only a fraction of the hundreds more occurrences that go unreported in the city.
What should I do if I see a hate crime being committed?
It is crucial that you respond immediately when you believe a hate crime is being committed or has occurred. First, call 911 and report it as soon as possible especially if someone is injured or there is risk of continuing violence. Next, contact the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) at 215-686-4670 or pchr@phila.gov. The PCHR also has an anonymous hotline at 215-686-2856.
It is crucial that you respond immediately when you believe a hate crime is being committed or has occurred. First, call 911 and report it as soon as possible especially if someone is injured or there is risk of continuing violence. Next, contact the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) at 215-686-4670 or pchr@phila.gov. The PCHR also has an anonymous hotline at 215-686-2856.
What is a bias incident?
A bias incident is an act that is motivated by prejudice but is not a crime (e.g. being called a derogatory name or seeing someone holding a sign with a racist message). While bias incidents are not criminal, they are offensive and may be discriminatory acts that are protected by law (e.g. not providing equal service to people of a specific cultural community).
A bias incident is an act that is motivated by prejudice but is not a crime (e.g. being called a derogatory name or seeing someone holding a sign with a racist message). While bias incidents are not criminal, they are offensive and may be discriminatory acts that are protected by law (e.g. not providing equal service to people of a specific cultural community).
What should I do if I am a victim of a bias incident?
If you are a victim of any crime, you should call 911 to report it and to get any further assistance you need. To report bias incidents (non-emergency), you should contact the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) at 215-686-4670 or pchr@phila.gov. The PCHR also has an anonymous hotline at 215-686-2856.
If you are a victim of any crime, you should call 911 to report it and to get any further assistance you need. To report bias incidents (non-emergency), you should contact the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) at 215-686-4670 or pchr@phila.gov. The PCHR also has an anonymous hotline at 215-686-2856.
How can the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations help?
The PCHR responds to acts of hate and bias in multiple ways. The agency connects victims and the community to resources and provides support throughout the healing process. They also address community tensions through methods such as facilitated discussions and mediations with all affected parties. Through the PCHR’s partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, victim services, and various community networks the agency ensures that the City is responding to these occurrences with a united and coordinated effort. Lastly, when a discriminatory act occurs in the workplace, housing or place of public accommodation, the PCHR can enforce the City’s anti-discrimination laws.
The PCHR responds to acts of hate and bias in multiple ways. The agency connects victims and the community to resources and provides support throughout the healing process. They also address community tensions through methods such as facilitated discussions and mediations with all affected parties. Through the PCHR’s partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, victim services, and various community networks the agency ensures that the City is responding to these occurrences with a united and coordinated effort. Lastly, when a discriminatory act occurs in the workplace, housing or place of public accommodation, the PCHR can enforce the City’s anti-discrimination laws.
What else can I do about hate and bias?
Prevention starts with you. Take a stand against hate and intolerance at home, at school, in the workplace, and communities. Advocate for acceptance of all people. This starts with the belief that every voice matters, that all people are valuable, and that no one is “less than” any other.
One of the best ways to advocate against hate is to remember S-E-L-F:
- Speak Out – Have courageous conversations with family, friends and neighbors that challenge people’s assumptions. At every opportunity, promote and teach acceptance. Address bias before another hate crime can occur. These conversations can be uncomfortable, but they are essential.
- Educate – Dig deeper inside yourself for biases and stereotypes. We all grow up with prejudices. Acknowledge and work through them. We all have the power to overcome our fears. There are anti-racism and implicit bias resources available.
- Listen – Learn from others and hear what they have to say; know that people experience the world differently.
- Form – Create opportunities for marginalized people everywhere you have influence, so we can work towards true equality.
Prevention starts with you. Take a stand against hate and intolerance at home, at school, in the workplace, and communities. Advocate for acceptance of all people. This starts with the belief that every voice matters, that all people are valuable, and that no one is “less than” any other.
One of the best ways to advocate against hate is to remember S-E-L-F:
- Speak Out – Have courageous conversations with family, friends and neighbors that challenge people’s assumptions. At every opportunity, promote and teach acceptance. Address bias before another hate crime can occur. These conversations can be uncomfortable, but they are essential.
- Educate – Dig deeper inside yourself for biases and stereotypes. We all grow up with prejudices. Acknowledge and work through them. We all have the power to overcome our fears. There are anti-racism and implicit bias resources available.
- Listen – Learn from others and hear what they have to say; know that people experience the world differently.
- Form – Create opportunities for marginalized people everywhere you have influence, so we can work towards true equality.
If I am a victim of a hate crime or bias incident, or I believe one has occurred, what should I do?
Always remember, safety first, call 911 to report any hate crime. You can also report hate crimes and bias incidents (non-emergency) by contacting the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) at 215-686-4670 or pchr@phila.gov. The PCHR also has an anonymous hotline at 215-686-2856.
Always remember, safety first, call 911 to report any hate crime. You can also report hate crimes and bias incidents (non-emergency) by contacting the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) at 215-686-4670 or pchr@phila.gov. The PCHR also has an anonymous hotline at 215-686-2856.
Take action
Hate has no place in Philadelphia. By taking action in these ways we can ensure we have safer and stronger communities for all people in our city.
Contact
Contact your leaders and engage. Get involved in your neighborhood civic associations, faith communities, community organizations and local schools. Follow these groups on social media. Stay informed about current issues facing your community.
Attend
Attend events. Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in community meetings, town halls, workshops, conferences and events. These are great opportunities for group action, to learn strategies, stay motivated and meet others in your neighborhood that also want to be a part of the change.
Share
Unite and work with others. Call a friend or co-worker. Organize allies from religious institutions, schools, clubs, and other civic sources. Reach outside of your comfort zone. Dialogue with people of different viewpoints, faiths and cultural backgrounds. Listen to their opinions carefully and without judgment and most of all work together. It’s not just one’s person’s responsibility but everyone’s to create the change we want to see in our communities.