Harrisburg, PA —The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) strongly condemns the distribution of racist flyers found this week in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. These flyers, carrying messages of racial intimidation and references to a white supremacist group, are a chilling reminder that hate can surface even in the wake of tragedy.
“Racist intimidation is designed to make people afraid in the very communities they call home,” said PHRC Interim Executive Director Amber J. E. Harris. “Hate does not get to set the terms of belonging in Pennsylvania. Our responsibility is to confront discrimination and make certain fear and intimidation are never normalized. Hate becomes more dangerous when a community begins to accept it as inevitable. We cannot let racist flyers, symbols, or intimidation become something people simply learn to live with. Every time hate appears, we have an obligation to reject it and stand with those it seeks to marginalize.”
This incident occurred shortly after the tragic stabbing of Dr. Idris Evans, a UPMC Children’s physician. It is deeply troubling that individuals would exploit a grieving community to spread further division and racial fear. Such hateful acts are systematic violations of Pennsylvania’s civil rights laws. Pittsburgh police are investigating.
“There is no tolerance under Pennsylvania’s civil rights statutes for language intended to incite hatred or intimidate based on race,” said PHRC Pittsburgh Regional Director La Dawn Robinson. “Hate damages us all. We must reject it, together.”
PHRC Civil Rights Outreach Director Sheryl Meck added, “Hate of any kind is a threat to all of us. PHRC stands firmly against those who would sow discord and division in our Commonwealth. We encourage every Pennsylvanian to speak out, stand together, and act against bigotry wherever it appears.”
PHRC’s Civil Rights Outreach Division works directly with communities across Pennsylvania to educate residents about their rights, provide training on recognizing and addressing discrimination, and connect individuals and organizations with resources to respond effectively to hate and bias. PHRC remains steadfast in its mission to enforce civil rights protections and to promote understanding and equity across all communities in Pennsylvania.
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 discrimination 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.
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