Committee on Public Safety meeting, December 8, 2023
- When: Fri, Dec 8, 2023, 1:00 PM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Public Safety
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928579/video/892676068
- Transcript: full text (6,496 words, official captions)
Meeting notes
AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.
The Committee on Public Safety met to consider a substitute ordinance sponsored by Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein updating the city's hate crimes ordinance, including a definition of non-criminal hate incidents, reporting through 311, expanded agency reporting requirements, and restored functions for the Commission on Human Relations. Invited witnesses from the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish United Fund and Equality Illinois testified in support and offered recommendations on definitions, funding and staffing. Several alderpersons spoke in support and raised questions about 311 access for young people and non-English speakers, outreach, and online hate. The committee approved the prior Rule 45 report and recommended passage of the substitute ordinance without objection using the attendance roll call. No public speakers had registered.
Topics: hate crimes, hate incidents, 311 reporting, Commission on Human Relations, antisemitism, LGBTQ protections, data and tracking
Agenda items discussed
- 13:51 Approval of the Rule 45 report from the November 2023 meeting: passed
- 14:10 Substitute ordinance updating the hate crimes ordinance to track and report hate incidents (sponsored by Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein): passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Thanked the city departments and organizations that worked on the substitute ordinance and noted the original version was co-sponsored by all 50 alderpersons. (29:38); Cited rising hate crime numbers in Chicago and nationally as the reason for the legislation. (31:04); Said most hate crimes and incidents go unreported and that the ordinance would allow residents to report hate through 311 and its mobile and online applications. (32:17)
- Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Thanked Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein and described antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ graffiti and concerns for new arrivals in his ward. (34:51); Said tracking through 311 and regular reporting to the council would provide data to identify trends, including for acts residents may not see as criminal. (35:51); Noted that council discussions have become more tense and said he appreciated that the matter could be discussed calmly, and stated he would support the substitute. (37:50)
- Timothy R. Knudsen (alderperson): Echoed Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr., thanked Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein, and said using 311 infrastructure makes reporting hate easier for residents who are unsure about police reports. (38:24); Said the ordinance would allow the city to collect data and track trends in hate speech and urged broader use of the 311 system. (39:33)
- Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Asked how the collected data will be used and how hate incidents will be distinguished from ordinary graffiti. (40:36); Asked whether students experiencing hate incidents at school could use 311, citing an incident at a public school. (41:27); Asked how information about reporting will reach business owners and residents whose first language is not English, as well as new arrivals. (42:12)
- Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Thanked Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein and described the impact of hate on Chinatown and immigrant communities during the pandemic. (45:17); Raised concerns about groups targeting patients seeking abortion care, xenophobia, and vandalism of churches. (46:27); Expressed concern about white supremacist group membership within the Chicago Police Department and supported strengthening the Commission on Human Relations. (47:36)
Exchanges between members
- 37:37 Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. commended Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein for her work on the ordinance.
- 38:24 Alderperson Timothy R. Knudsen said he echoed what Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. had said.
- 38:27 Alderperson Timothy R. Knudsen thanked Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein for her leadership.
- 40:15 Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth thanked Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein for working on the ordinance.
- 42:57 Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth referenced Alderperson Timothy R. Knudsen point that many residents are reluctant to use 911.
- 43:07 Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth referenced Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. point about new arrivals.
- 45:17 Alderperson Byron Sigcho-López thanked Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein for bringing the ordinance.