ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Seeing an increase in hate crimes and harassment committed against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement:

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19 there has been a significant increase in crimes committed against the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It is on all of us to stand up against hate – especially in our own community.

“A welcoming state is more than just the law – it takes each and every one of us to actively call out discrimination when and where we see it. It takes courage to do this, but we must make it clear that hate is not welcome in our community. I urge anyone who experiences or witnesses harassment of any kind to report it to the Attorney General.”

You can report incidents on the Illinois Attorney General’s website, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by calling 877-581-3692.