LANSING, MI-John E. Johnson, Jr., Executive Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, today issued the following statement on Governor Whitmer's signing of House Bills 5400-5401, sponsored by state Representatives Noah Arbit and Kristian Grant.
"The Michigan Department of Civil Rights has a long history of battling hate and bias, and we commend Governor Whitmer for signing into law legislation that will strengthen the state's ability to fight it. Hate crimes and bias incidents are toxic to a civil society, terrorizing individuals and entire communities of people. The Governor, as well as Reps. Noah Arbit and Kristan Grant, recognized this reality and did something about it. We are grateful for their courage and determination to act in the face of hate."
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights is charged with investigating and resolving discrimination complaints and works to prevent discrimination through educational programs that promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws. The Department also provides information and services to businesses, government agencies and organizations on diversity initiatives, fair housing and equal employment law. For more information on the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, go to
www.michigan.gov/mdcr.
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