Committees

The Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes has developed focused committees to advance its mission. Find the committee list below and follow the links to learn about the committees' purpose and members. 

The purposes of the Legal Committee include but are not limited to the following: to identify gaps in law and to make recommendations to the Commission for statutory, regulatory, or programmatic changes necessary to identify and eliminate hate-based crimes and incidents (including extremism) and discrimination. The Committee may also collect, review, propose, and coordinate legislative recommendations for IDHR’s Legislative Director or other state and legislative coordinators. 

Chair: Commissioner Cindy Buys

The purpose of the Committee is to build a network across the state who will work in partnership with the Commission, inform Commission activities, and support in outreach activities. The Committee aims to ensure the many diverse communities in Illinois are represented and heard as they develop a robust, engaged, and interconnected community of support and prevention across the state. 

Chair: Commissioner Mona Noriega

The Understanding Hate Committee aims to increase knowledge and understanding about hate and bias, including prevention, available resources, and rapid response, by developing and offering programs for the community at large, targeted groups, community organizations, law enforcement, and government agencies. Through community engagement and collaborative programming, this committee will work to increase cooperation and coordination between various levels of government and community-based organizations.   

Chair: Commissioner Marvet Sweis

The purpose of the Youth and Education Committee is to explore, address, and make recommendations to prevent and respond to the prevalence of hate incidents, hate crimes, radicalization, and extremism among youth and in educational settings.

Chair: Commissioner Molly Uhe-Edmonds