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Civil Rights Group Stands in Solidarity with Muslim
Americans
Special to The Truth
Last week, GOP frontrunner Donald Trump called for a total and
complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States. The
asinine and ill-formed statement follows months of hateful,
racist and xenophobic attacks on Muslim Americans. In
spewing racist ideology, Trump is actively arousing white
supremacists. This agitation has led to increased attacks on
Muslims and people of color.
The national racial justice organization Advancement Project
released the following statement repudiating Trump-inspired
hatred, discrimination and violence:
“In his bid to stigmatize unsuspecting communities, in this
case Muslims, Donald Trump has once again crossed the line,”
said Advancement Project Co-Director Penda D. Hair.
“Trump’s hateful rhetoric has tangible, violent
consequences and impacts. Far from a leader who will unite
the country, Trump is dangerous to American values of
acceptance and inclusion for all; regardless of background,
creed or religion.”
“In the past month alone, someone has thrown severed
pig's head at a mosque in
Philadelphia,” Hair continued. “A bullet-ridden
copy of the Quran was found
hanging from an Islamic clothing store in California, an
Ethiopian man was assaulted
and threatened with a gun by a
passenger in North Carolina who thought he was Muslim, and a
man in Ohio nearly
ran over a young woman in a
hijab after calling her a terrorist. This is hate speech in
action and we urge swift justice for all victims.”
“I am alarmed by the rise of Islamophobic attacks and the
emotional and physical violence posed against our brothers
and sisters in faith,” said Advancement Project General
Counsel Edward Hailes. “My message to the Muslim community
and all those facing persecution based on political
expediency is this: Our current struggles may be dark and
difficult, but stand strong because we are with you. We
affirm your expression of faith, and are emboldened by your
courage and deeply value your unique and worthwhile
contributions.”
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Judith Browne-Dianis
Penda D. Hair
Edward Hailes |
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“America has a chance at this moment to lean into our
values,” said Advancement Project Co-Director Judith Browne-Dianis.
“Attacks on our Muslim neighbors are attacks on all of us.
We must decide if racist hate and fear mongering shall rule
or if we will become the inclusive America we yearn to be.
Patriotism requires us to overcome and reject bigotry. Now
is our time to move forward as a nation.”
“The actions and rhetoric of racists and fascists do not
define us,” said Hair. “As hard as those who seek to divide
us might try, the days of using fear to breed hate, of
vilifying and victimizing innocent people, cannot be
sustained. Ours will be a beloved community where love will
triumph over fear and hatred.”
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