Harrisburg, PA — The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) strongly condemns the recent distribution of antisemitic, racist, anti-immigrant, and anti-LGBTQ+ flyers and reports of targeted harassment against minorities living in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh over the weekend. The PHRC stands in full solidarity with all people who live in the Squirrel Hill community and commends the swift response of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation as they investigate these hateful acts.
“This is not just an attack on minority communities in Squirrel Hill—it is an attack on all of us who believe in dignity, inclusion, and mutual respect,” said PHRC Commission Chair Joel Bolstein. “We must all raise our voices against antisemitism and make it clear that hate has no home in Pennsylvania.”
“These attempts to intimidate and sow fear in our communities have no place in Pennsylvania,” said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. “Antisemitism, racism, and hatred is a persistent threat that demands collective action. At PHRC, we are committed to protecting the civil rights of all Pennsylvanians and ensuring that no community lives under the shadow of hate. We urge anyone with information to cooperate with authorities and help bring those responsible to justice.”
PHRC is in communication with community leaders and local officials to monitor the situation and offer support to affected residents.
U.S. Representative Summer Lee (Pennsylvania’s 12th District) added, “these hateful, antisemitic, and racist flyers scattered across Squirrel Hill are vile acts of intimidation and have no place in our communities. We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors — Jewish, Black, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, and allies — and fight back against the rise of white supremacy and bigotry that threatens all of us. The perpetrators must be brought to justice, and we must ensure our communities are protected, supported, and empowered to live free from hate.”
According to PHRC’s ‘2024 No Hate in Our State: Building Pennsylvania’s Beloved Community’ Report the FBI reported 285 hate crimes in Pennsylvania in 2023 and according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there are 78 hate and anti-government groups in Pennsylvania, that’s the fourth highest in the nation. In the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Center on Extremism’s 2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, the ADL recorded 465 antisemitic incidents in Pennsylvania in 2024. That’s an increase from 394 in 2023. 337 of the incidents involved harassment, 116 involved vandalism and 12 involved assaults.
If you are the victim of a hate crime, such as assault or property damage, contact your local police department or the Pennsylvania State Police. Pennsylvania has Hate Crime and Ethnic Intimidation laws that protect and support victims. The PHRC does not charge or investigate hate crimes or criminal offenses. However, the PHRC can determine if an act of hate also violates the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
About the PHRC:
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all people. The PHRC investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Anyone who has experienced acts of discrimination or hate is urged to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
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