Combating Hate and Racism in Pennsylvania
Hate crimes and intolerance are rising across the United States, and Pennsylvania is no exception.
Now is the time to take decisive action.
Hate speech fuels hate crimes, and it thrives in times of crisis. Addressing these issues requires a sustained commitment to education, community engagement, and legislative reform to dismantle systemic inequalities.
The Reality of Racism and Discrimination
Racism is not ignorance or misunderstanding—it is hate, plain and simple. Those who harbor racist beliefs will always find excuses to spread their vitriol. A disturbing increase in hate speech has put immigrant and minority communities at risk, as they are often scapegoated for societal struggles.
Hate has no place in Pennsylvania. It is imperative that we reject these divisive narratives and stand in solidarity. When we unite against hate, bullies lose their power.
Taking Legislative Action
Pennsylvania has taken important steps toward combating racism, including a constitutional amendment prohibiting race discrimination and the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws through the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). However, we must go further to strengthen protections, enhance enforcement, and educate the public.
Strengthen the PHRC
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is the state agency responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws in employment, housing, education, and public spaces. It investigates complaints and works to ensure equal opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.
- Increase funding and staffing to enhance enforcement and investigations.
- Expand PHRC’s authority to proactively tackle systemic discrimination.
- Improve accessibility so all communities can easily file complaints.
Expand and Strengthen Anti-Discrimination Laws
Legislation must reflect the reality of discrimination today. We must:
- Expand protected classes to include additional marginalized groups.
- Increase penalties for hate crimes and discrimination violations.
- Strengthen fair housing laws to eliminate racial and economic discrimination.
- Enhance workplace protections to ensure equal job opportunities.
- Implement stricter anti-bullying and anti-harassment laws with real consequences.
Promote Education and Awareness
Education is the foundation of change. We must:
- Implement mandatory anti-racism training for state employees, educators, and law enforcement officers.
- Promote diversity and inclusion initiatives in schools and workplaces.
- Support local businesses run by immigrant and minority communities.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Racial History
Pennsylvania’s history is marked by both oppression and progress. In 1639, the first enslaved community arrived in Pennsylvania, forced to work for Swedish, Dutch, and Finnish settlers along the Delaware River. However, in 1780, Pennsylvania became the first state to ban slavery, setting a precedent for abolition. During the 19th century, the state played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, with Northeast Pennsylvania—particularly Stroudsburg—serving as a key route for enslaved individuals seeking freedom, often traveling along the region’s rivers toward Canada.
Honesdale also played a role in shaping the nation’s future, as it was the site of a pivotal 1859 meeting that helped launch Abraham Lincoln’s presidential campaign.
Despite these advances, racial and ethnic discrimination persisted. In the 1920s, Italian and Irish immigrants in Northeast Pennsylvania faced widespread prejudice, struggling for acceptance and economic opportunity. Even decades later, racism remained deeply entrenched in society. My own grandfather witnessed this firsthand in 1948, when discrimination in professional baseball led him to walk away from his career rather than be part of a system built on injustice. These stories are reminders that while Pennsylvania has made progress, the fight for equality and justice is far from over.
Breaking the Cycle of Hate
Racism is not innate—it is taught. We must stop passing it down to future generations.
- If someone gains rights and freedoms, it does not mean you are under attack.
- Tolerance of intolerance enables oppression.
- There is no honor in excusing hate speech.
It is terrifying to think that someone could become the next statistic simply because of their race, religion, or who they love. Racism hurts everyone—including those who perpetuate it.
A Call to Action: How You Can Help
We must work together in bipartisan manner to end racism in Pennsylvania.
Help Me Get this done!
We have way more in common than we have differences.
Together, we can create a stronger, more just and equitable Pennsylvania for all.
Afterall, we are neighbors!