The city, which will operate the "service" through its 3-1-1 helpline, is targeting any "harassing behaviors motivated by prejudice," according to a press release. Those wishing to report a hate crime from outside the city may dial 612-673-3000.
According to the local newspaper, the Star-Tribune, "the announcement comes amid signs of a recent surge of such incidents affecting Muslims and Jews across the country, many of which go unreported."
The city’s Department of Civil Rights clearly states on its website that it only enforces hate crimes against certain "protected classes."
A city official further indicated the impetus for the hate-crimes hotline was the election of President Trump and that the targets would be his supporters.
"Since the general election, many of us have experienced, witnessed firsthand or heard of actions of: racism, xenophobia, sexism and bigotry directed at people here and in cities across the United States," Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights Director Velma Korbel wrote in a statement posted on the city’s website. "In no uncertain terms, hate-motivated speech and actions have no place in Minneapolis nor will they be tolerated."
Korbel said the city’s tough stance on "hate" is reflected in the views of its mayor, Betsy Hodges. Korbel states on the city website:
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