hate-crimes

Wolf signs bill to let synagogues, mosques and churches apply for $5M in safety grants

BY: - November 8, 2019

In response to last year’s Tree of Life shooting, Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday signed into law a $5 million program that provides grants to beef up security at nonprofits, such as houses of worship or a faith-based community center.  The program was originally proposed by Sen. Andrew Dinniman, D-Chester, as part of a larger […]

COMMENTARY

‘Hate doesn’t discriminate’: Pa. House, Senate Dems roll out anti-hate crimes package

BY: - October 30, 2019

The package's sponsor knows he has his work cut out for him in an institution where, if change happens at all, it happens at a glacial pace.

‘We can’t ignore signs of hate’: One year later, Pittsburgh still healing from Tree of Life shooting

BY: and - October 27, 2019

One year ago, on Oct. 27, 2018, a gunman burst into the Tree of Life synagogue during Shabbat services and murdered 11 people.

COMMENTARY

Tree of Life first anniversary: How to teach tough topics to our kids | Opinion

BY: - October 27, 2019

Our schools have an opportunity—and, many say, an obligation—to instill students with the knowledge and skills to develop empathy and wash away hate.

Shapiro, Dem lawmakers hear experiences of racism, discrimination

BY: - June 13, 2019

Updated, 5:30 p.m.: This story was updated with additional information from the Attorney General’s Office. Democratic elected officials from across Pennsylvania, including Attorney General Josh Shapiro, gathered in Harrisburg’s Allison Hill Thursday to hear, up close and personal, what it’s like when someone encounters harassment or hate for their race or religion. The event, hosted […]

‘That could be any of us’: Senate Dems propose $10M safety grant program for Pa. houses of worship

BY: - June 3, 2019

"Event after event has unfolded across our commonwealth," one of the proposal's backers said. "We have to act on this."

COMMENTARY

‘We cannot ignore the threads’ that connect acts of hate, Holocaust survivors, supporters say at Capitol ceremony

BY: - May 1, 2019

Wednesday's remembrance ceremony in the ornate reception room outside Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf's office in the Capitol was the 35th annual observance.

COMMENTARY

Pennsylvania is stronger than hate. But there’s so much work left to be done | John L. Micek

BY: - April 10, 2019

A journey starts with a first step. Here's hoping it continues. 

COMMENTARY

When it comes to passing hate crimes laws, go beyond mere statistics | Opinion

BY: - March 12, 2019

This is a case where we need to go beyond the numbers when deciding an issue that may be one more based on morality than science.