by: Jordan Baker

Posted: Oct 21, 2025 / 06:56 PM CDT

Updated: Oct 21, 2025 / 06:57 PM CDT

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The first-ever “Illinois Together Against Hate” conference drew a diverse group of experts from all over the state to Champaign.

This collaborative event was organized through the efforts of Champaign, Urbana, the Department of Human Rights, and the state’s Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes.

It was set in motion after the “Help Stop Hate” campaign launched this year. The goal of the effort is to encourage victims of targeted attacks to record, track, and report hate crimes.

Organizers said they want to raise awareness of these crimes — and help people to understand their rights better.

“There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” said Champaign’s Community Relations Manager and Compliance Officer Janel Gomez. “There’s a lot of information coming from the federal level that conflicts with what’s happening in the state law. But in Illinois, you are protected based on your protected classes.”

Gomez said people who feel discriminated against should talk to local agencies.