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Public Statement from
the Board and Staff of The Fair Housing Center
What happened last week was
not just an attack on our Capitol building, it was an attack
on the fundamental rights and freedoms upon which our
democracy is built.
We emphatically condemn the
actions of a violent, mostly white mob that desecrated the
seat of our government in an attempt to subvert a sacred
institution and overturn a lawful election. Everyone
involved should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the
law-those who directly participated, as well as anyone who
incited and enabled this insurrection to take place.
Free and fair elections lie
at the heart of our democracy, and enable us to exercise and
preserve our civil rights. Our leaders should make every
effort to protect this process from attempts to undermine
it, which includes addressing America's long history of
suppressing the rights of voters of color.
The images that flashed
across our screens are another painful reminder that
systemic racism and white supremacy are not just part of our
nation's past, but continue to represent a dangerous and
powerful threat to equity and justice every day. We must
hold accountable not only those whose words and actions
perpetuate racial injustice, but those whose silence allow
it to continue unchallenged. The responsibility lies with
each of us to create opportunities for inclusion, to refuse
to tolerate hate, and to be willing to disrupt the status
quo.
We recognize that our ability
to be informed about last week's events is only possible
because of the dedication and integrity of journalists who
strive to uphold truth, often while risking their own
safety. The press will continue to serve a critical role as
our nation takes steps towards unity, as there can be no
healing without truth.
We echo the sentiments of
President-Elect Biden who reminded us that democracy is
fragile. Democracy is not just something we have to fight
hard to win, it's something we have to keep fighting for
every day to keep. With vigilance, we can ensure America is
a place where "we the people" truly means all the people.
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