Executive Order

              EXECUTIVE ORDER (Number 8) 2005
EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATING
THE GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION ON DISCRIMINATION AND HATE CRIMES
WHEREAS, the population and demographic makeup of the State of Illinois makes the
appreciation, tolerance and acceptance of diverse cultures imperative;
WHEREAS, no person or group of people should have to live in fear because of their race,
ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation or religious beliefs;
WHEREAS, the manifestation of discrimination in the form of violence has a negative impact
not only on the victim, but his or her community, and can have a lasting adverse effect on our
society;
WHEREAS, stereotypical thinking and biases still plague our society;
WHEREAS, Illinois has a strong tradition of combating discrimination and hate-based violence
by statutorily addressing crimes such as aggravated battery, theft, criminal trespassing, disorderly
conduct and telephone harassment committed because of the victim's race, color, creed, religion,
ancestry, gender, sexual orientation or disability; and
WHEREAS, we must continue to work to build a society that is bias and hate free so that our
children are protected against discrimination, punishment and violence that is based on race,
ethnicity, color, creed, religious belief, sexual orientation or social status.
THEREFORE, I, Rod R. Blagojevich, order the following:
I. ESTABLISHMENT
There shall be established the Governor's Commission on Discrimination and Hate
Crimes.
II. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Commission shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
a. To work in partnership with community leaders, educators, religious leaders, social
service agencies, elected officials and the public to identify and uproot sources of
discrimination and bias at the source.
b. To work with local governments, law enforcement officials including prosecutors,
educators and community organizations by assisting with the development of resources,
training and information that allows for a swift and efficient response to hate motivated
crimes and incidents.
c. To work with educators throughout Illinois on issues confronting discrimination and hate,
teaching acceptance and embracing diversity at academic institutions.
d. To help ensure that the state's laws addressing discrimination and hate-related violence
are widely known and applied correctly to help eradicate and prevent crimes based on
discrimination and intolerance.
e. To make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly for statutory and
programmatic changes necessary to eliminate discrimination and hate-based violence.