Minneapolis Creates New Hotline For Reporting Hate Crimes

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Through its 311 service, the city of Minneapolis has opened a new hotline for reporting hate crimes, which it defines as "harassing behaviors motivated by prejudice." The hotline number is 311 for anyone calling from within the city or (612) 673-3000 statewide.

The 311 hotline will be answered 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekends. Those with a report to make can also call the Department of Justice at 612-664-5600. As always, in the case of immediate physical violence, property damage or threats, people should call 911.

Hate crimes

A hate crime is any crime against a person or property motivated by prejudice against someone’s race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, according to a news release.

Minneapolis city officials say they're committed to human rights and racial equity for everyone who lives in, works in and visits the city. Several organizations in Minnesota – Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights, Minnesota Department of Human Rights, City of Saint Paul Equal Opportunity Office and the Minnesota FBI – are working together to ensure Minnesotans feel safe and welcome.

Over the past several months, the partners have worked to increase community access to information and resources necessary to address issues of discrimination.

Discrimination

According to the city, discrimination is an action or a decision that treats a person or a group negatively for reasons such as their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender or gender identity.

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