Photo by Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons
Reminding President-elect Donald Trump of his pledge to be leader for all Americans, over 100 civil rights and faith organizations have urged him to “forcefully, unequivocally and consistently” condemn harassment and hateful attacks against America’s diverse communities.
In a letter addressed to Trump – who defeated Hillary Clinton after deeply divisive campaigns in recent American history – the rights groups asked him to “send a clear message that hate has no place in our public discourse, in our public policy or in our society.”
Following a sudden spike in hateful incidents against ethnic and religious groups, Trump asked perpetrators of such attacks to “stop” harassment during his appearance in CBS’s 60 Minutes program – his first since November 8 election.
The letter originating from the platforms of Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit legal advocacy body, and A Union of Professionals, refers to incidents of harassment, vandalism, property destruction and even assault based on those differences.
“We are especially troubled by incidents taking place in schools and on college campuses—places where we do everything we can to ensure our children are safe and nurtured, and have the opportunity to grow and learn free of intimidation and hatred. But now we are hearing reports of children chanting “build the wall” at classmates, Muslim students and educators harassed for their clothing, male students intimidating their female classmates and swastikas painted on classroom doors.”
The letter acknowledges that “millions of your supporters would never participate in these actions” but objects to the president-elect’s pick for a top White House position sends a wrong message.
“The presidency is about many things. Chiefly, it is about setting an example through your leadership. You have said that you will be the president for all Americans, Mr. Trump. We ask that you keep your promise by loudly, forcefully, unequivocally and consistently denouncing these acts and the ideology that drives them.
“We ask you to use your position, your considerable platform and even your tweets to send a clear message that hate has no place in our public discourse, in our public policy or in our society.”
