International Human Relations Council Press Conference in Support of the Muslim Community

February 3, 2016

Remarks by Kenneth Gunn, First Deputy Commissioner

On behalf of Commissioner Mona Noriega who could not be here today, I am here to represent the Chicago Commission on Human Relations to stand in solidarity with the International Human Relations Council (IHRC) to express our continued support and respect for Chicago's Muslim community.

As you may know, the CCHR serves as the civil rights agency for the City of Chicago. We investigate and adjudicate complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit. We also mediate community tensions based on racial, religious, and other forms of difference. The Commission also advocates for victims of hate crimes, and provides educational programs on such topics as bullying, diversity, and conflict resolution for schools and community groups.

The Commission and the IHRC has a long history of working together to address issues of hate crimes on the southwest side of the city, going back to the tragic incidents on September 11, 2001. Initially created as a task force of the Commission, the IHRC has continued for the past 15 years to speak out against hate, and to work to prevent and eliminate hate crimes right here in the community.

The Commission joins IHRC in supporting our Muslim neighbors during this time where political campaigns have sought to cause a divide between us by scapegoating Muslims and questioning their rights to call America their home.

We know from the history of this nation that there are always those who will seek to pit one group against another, be it by race, religion, or other form of difference. Hate groups thrive on this tactic which has been used for decades to marginalize, dehumanize, and discriminate.

As violent acts of ISIS, Al qaeda, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups have become more prevalent, history tells us that instead of coming together as a people, there are always those who will seek to divide us by scapegoating entire groups, and trying to provoke fear in the rest of us as a way to suck us into their hateful discourse.

Today, the attack is on the Muslim community, but I ask, who will be next? Those who support freedom, equality, and fairness must stand up to denounce this kind of rhetoric...this kind of hate. It is not good for America and it is not good for Chicago.

Thus, we applaud the IHRC for taking a stand today to say enough is enough! We value all of our neighbors regardless of our different backgrounds. And, we value our diversity, and it's our diversity that makes us strong.

I Want To