On Sunday, leading civil rights and faith leaders held a telephone press briefing to call on President Trump to directly disavow the white supremacists marching in his name in Charlottesville on Saturday. Audio of that call is available here.
“The white supremacist rallies this weekend and the ongoing violence in Charlottesville are un-American and unacceptable. They run counter to the values of justice, fairness, and inclusivity that we uphold as a country. While the right to free speech is a core value, hate has no place in America.
Donald Trump, as a candidate and as president, has emboldened and enabled the forces of hate and division in this country. He and his administration must denounce what happened this weekend – and the white supremacist hate behind it – in the strongest possible terms. And the FBI should open an investigation into today’s violence.”
Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF)
“The Administration’s silence in the wake of white supremacist violence in Portland, Maryland and Minnesota, and lackluster response to the open support of notorious white supremacists has constituted an abdication of the kind of leadership we should expect from our President. Indeed, the President’s refusal to speak forcefully and unequivocally against white supremacy has laid the foundation for today’s march and violent confrontation.”
“The blatant racism on display in Charlottesville is absolutely disgusting. It’s hard to believe that in 2017 we are still plagued by so much race-based hatred. The NAACP will always stand against hate and any persons who threaten the moral right of our community,” said Derrick Johnson, interim president and CEO of the NAACP.
“These kinds of actions should come as no surprise, however. We are living under an administration that campaigned on hatred, discrimination and xenophobia. They have given permission and a platform for bigots, like the right-wing, white nationalists in Charlottesville, to thrive and spread violence.”
“Hate and bigotry must never be met with silence or half-hearted rebukes,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “The horrific events unfolding in Charlottesville today are a stark reminder that the racism and white supremacy that has been allowed to fester for generations has recently been emboldened by the policies and rhetoric of politicians like Donald Trump. There are no two sides. Donald Trump’s refusal to clearly condemn white supremacists, white nationalists, neo-Nazis, and the ‘alt-right’ is a failure of leadership and once again proves he is unfit to serve. All national leaders, from the President and Vice President on down, must explicitly and unequivocally condemn this violent extremism.”
“This is a moment that demands moral leadership. President Trump should acknowledge that this is not a matter of equivalence between two sides with similar gripes. There is no rationalizing white supremacy and no room for this vile bigotry. It is un-American and it needs to be condemned without hesitation.
We call on the White House to terminate all staff with any ties to these extremists. There is no rationale for employing people who excuse hateful rhetoric and ugly incitement. They do not serve the values embodied in our Constitution nor the interests of the American people.”
Brandi Collins, Campaign Director, Color of Change, said, “At Color Of Change our hearts, minds and prayers are with the people of Charlottesville and the state of Virginia. What happened in Charlottesville is an act of terrorism pure and simple. This is one all too familiar to our country’s history. We’re standing with the peaceful protesters in Charlottesville, with our 1 million members across the country and with everyone tonightheartbroken like us. Let’s work together to ensure that tomorrow we don’t continue to replicate the horrors of the past thank you.”
Jonathan Lipman, Chief Strategy Officer, Bend the Arc Jewish Action, said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events of the protests in Charlottesville today, and our sympathies go out to the families of those injured and killed. The events of the last two days are the inevitable result of the bigotry and hatred that Donald Trump has been championing since he began his campaign. The unmistakable pattern of the president’s support for and endorsement of white nationalism, combined with his outrageous failure to explicitly and forcefully condemn the white supremacists and neo-Nazis responsible for today’s violence, make his calls for unity disingenuous. American Jews recognize these dangerous and escalating patterns. We’ve seen this before. This hatred must stop.”
Ben Needham, Director of Project One America, Human Rights Campaign, said, “We condemn – in the strongest of terms – the racism, hatred and bigotry that is on display from white supremacist groups in Charlottesville. It is clear that all of our fights – against racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia and Islamophobia – are inextricably linked. We stand in solidarity with those whom these racists are targeting in Charlottesville and around the country. Donald Trump’s refusal to clearly condemn white supremacists, white nationalists, neo-Nazis, and the ‘alt-right’ is a failure of leadership and once again prove him to be unfit to serve.”
Scott Simpson, Public Advocacy Director, Muslim Advocates, said, “President Trump’s press conference and tweets today are not enough. He must take responsibility for his role in propagating white nationalist ideology and fueling their movement. We call on him to immediately denounce the white supremacy movement by name and remove those who condone white supremacy, like Steve Bannon and Sebastian Gorka, from the White House. Their mere presence, and their prime roles in fanning these flames of bigotry, is a silent endorsement of this violence. There is only one side of hate, vulgarity, and violence.
“Now, more than ever, it is unacceptable to remain silent as marginalized and oppressed communities still face violence and hatred simply for standing up for the freedom, liberty and justice they deserve. We must not only condemn these actions, but also work relentlessly and collectively to put an end to white supremacy. In order for our country to live up to its promise and democratic values, bigotry of all kinds must be rejected.
“Planned Parenthood stands with people of color and allies in the face of such appalling attacks fueled by hate.”
MomsRising Statement on Charlottesville: “This is a fight for our children’s and our nation’s future. We will not back down.
“This weekend, we watch in horror as white supremacists and Nazis march through the streets of Charlottesville inciting violence that has caused the death of at least one peaceful anti-racism demonstrator. There’s no question that the election of Donald Trump has emboldened white supremacists, neo-nazis, racism, and hate – and now, it is up to us to follow in the footsteps of brave anti-racist Americans throughout history, to stand in solidarity with those in Charlottesville opposing hate, and to defend and reinforce what truly makes our country great.”
“The Sierra Club condemns this act of white supremacist terrorism in the strongest possible terms. Our thoughts are with those injured and killed and our hearts are with those who are peacefully speaking out to stop hate from gaining another inch in our country and those who are living in fear because of that hate. No one who took to the streets of Charlottesville fueled by bigotry and brandishing the symbols of fascism that so many Americans fought and died to tear down has any claim on the mantle of patriotism. Instead, it is more important than ever that they be called out for exactly what they are: vile and unacceptable racists preaching division and hatred that stands in opposition to the values of equality and justice that must drive our nation forward.”
“Once again, the president has refused to explicitly disavow the extremism, Nazi imagery, and vehicular attack that occurred in Charlottesville. Throughout the campaign and in his brief presidency, Donald Trump has had many opportunities to not just fully distance his administration from those allied with Nazi sympathizers and the KKK but also to denounce them. However, today, he used his bully pulpit to decry the hate and violence ‘on many sides.’
To be clear, there is only one side that wishes to provoke hate and violence, and there is only one side that committed an apparent act of terrorism today. Nazis and white nationalists showed up to cause harm and unrest in Charlottesville. Their racism, hatred, and bigotry have no place in our society.”
“Today’s events are horrifying, heartbreaking and infuriating. When Donald Trump was elected president, many of us feared that his election would embolden radical extremists and white supremacists. Today shows that those concerns were entirely justified. Moreover, the President’s refusal to clearly and emphatically denounce a group of Nazis and white supremacists underscores his longstanding willingness to exploit the Right’s most hateful impulses for political gain—as well as the GOP’s willingness to abide Trump’s tactics of hate in order to push its own ideological agenda.
“Elected officials should make clear in no uncertain terms that they condemn the hate and racism of the ‘Unite the Right’ rally and its leaders, and they won’t associate with those who do otherwise.”
“We are outraged, yet not surprised, by last night’s white supremacist march in Charlottesville. Every American, especially white Americans, must keep our country’s ongoing legacy of racism at the front of our minds. Images of torch-bearing white supremacists may feel to some like a relic from the past being brought to life by a few extremists. However, we must trust Black women and other people of color when they say that these displays are indicative of daily racial injustices and threats that communities of color continue to face in the United States. What happened last night and today in continuing violent protests is an unacceptable display of hate and white supremacy that has no place in our communities. YWCA USA will not tolerate or normalize racism in any of its insidious forms.”
“President Trump’s failure to unequivocally condemn white supremacists and the role they played in contributing to this violence is shameful and dangerous. Through discriminatory policy, messaging and, at times, deafening silence, President Trump is sending a clear message to communities of color that our freedom, our rights, and our place in this country are less important than those of others.”
“Those who are marching in Charlottesville under the banner of Nazi Swastikas, burning torches, and the Ku Klux Klan’s grotesque rendition of the cross know full well the meaning of these symbols. They represent a history of mass graves, lynchings, and destruction. This demonstration by these White Supremacists is not one of cultural pride nor is it a genuine expression of First Amendment rights. It is a gathering of armed men who are terrorizing, looting, and destroying an entire community.
Trump’s condemnation of violence “from all sides” only emboldens the true culprits by drawing a false equivalency between armed neo-Nazi thugs who have used such tactics as ramming vehicles into defenseless crowds with those who demonstrated peacefully against their hate. This Nazi violence has resulted in at least one death, numerous injuries, and the issuance of a state of emergency by the Governor of Virginia.”
“Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe today rightly called out the ‘white supremacists and the Nazis’ — saying ‘go home, you are not wanted. . .shame on you, you pretend that you are patriots, but you are anything but a patriot’ — something President Trump failed to do in his weak reaction to the terror attack.
“President Trump’s reluctance to both denounce the act of terrorism and to call out the white supremacist and racists groups by name constitutes a failure of moral leadership and sends the wrong message to newly-empowered racist groups nationwide.”
“Today’s terror attack that left one person dead and many others with serious injuries is a sad day for our country demonstrating that the wounds of our nation’s racial history are far from healed. Our heart goes out to the family whose loved one was killed as well as the families of those who were injured. This country has a dark and long history regarding white nationalist groups, and it is time for us to unite against such hateful and destructive organizations.
“Unfortunately, today we were again reminded that we have a president lacking in moral leadership. The president’s statement today suggested a moral equivalence between the neo Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan, and other white nationalists with the counter protesters which included clergy, college students and concerned citizens who had gathered peacefully to protest against hate. Nothing could be further from the truth, and we know that the President’s statement was a calculated political move designed to appease his alt right supporters.”
“MALDEF joins in condemning the white nationalist protests in Charlottesville, Va. and the violence that the protests engendered. Our condolences go out to the family of the murder victim and our solidarity and moral support to the injured.
MALDEF also calls upon Donald Trump to cease his rhetorical gamesmanship and to recognize and acknowledge publicly that there is no equivalency, moral or otherwise, between those who spout white nationalist ideology and those who protest it. The repetition of ‘on many sides’ in a self-evident attempt to introduce some indeterminacy into what happened in Charlottesville is simply irresponsible pandering unbefitting the White House. MALDEF calls upon the White House to reject ideologies of white supremacy, white nationalism, and alt-right rhetoric; to remove the prominent adherents of such ideologies from positions of authority in the Administration, and to forthrightly explain the fallacy that lies in the paranoia of those who see persecution of whites in a society where white males remain dramatically overrepresented in positions of leadership in virtually all sectors.”
Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice), an affiliation of five civil rights organizations
“Advancing Justice applauds the bravery of the anti-racism counter protesters who stood up and called out the white supremacists and radical extremists for their brazen display of hate. It is particularly appalling that President Trump chose not to condemn the white supremacy that was on full display yesterday and which led to at least one death. Such domestic terrorism must be condemned as such – ignoring it will only further divide our nation and lead to more violence.
What happened yesterday is not a partisan issue. There is no spin, no messaging, that can cover up what this is – an act of terrorism. The events in Charlottesville exposed an ugly underbelly in America that communities of color face on a daily basis.”
“Under the U.S. Constitution, all members of our society have the right to freedom of speech, but what the world witnessed this weekend should be called by its true name: evil,” said Human Rights First’s Rob Berschinski.
“The response of the President of the United States to this weekend’s events has been woefully inadequate. Donald Trump’s disinterest in condemning neo-Nazi and white supremacist ideology dishonors his office and the people of the United States. He should immediately, and unequivocally, condemn bigotry and hate not in the abstract, but in the way it is manifesting in America’s streets.”
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, AFT Secretary-Treasurer Lorretta Johnson and AFT Executive Vice President Mary Cathryn Ricker
“What happened in Charlottesville exposed a dark turning point in America. It is not just a sobering reminder of the very real racism and anti-Semitism running through the veins of Americans, but a call to stand up to the forces of hate and division in this country that feel emboldened today. White supremacists and Nazis now feel empowered to come out of the shadows and inflict terror on American communities. We stand with those who stood up to this racism and anti-Semitism yesterday. We grieve the murder of Heather Heyer and the injury of other peaceful protestors. And we continue to denounce the hate and bigotry that was on display in Charlottesville and is being unmasked in communities across the country. But this moment requires more than simply denouncing hatred; it requires action to protect the basic rights and safety of American families from those who peddle terror and hate.”
“Beginning on August 11, 2017, hundreds of white nationalists have marched and committed racially motivated violence on the streets Charlottesville, Virginia. Today, on August 12th, a car driven by one of those racists plowed into a crowd of anti-racist protesters, killing one and injuring 19.
Not Dead Yet is horrified by and condemns this violence and the racism that motivated it, and we deplore the failure of police and other authorities to protect innocent people.”
“The Autistic Self Advocacy Network condemns the terror attack which took place this weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia. We join other civil rights organizations in denouncing the hatred and white supremacy we saw on display, and we recognize that this tragedy is not an isolated incident, but rather the manifestation of centuries of systemic violence, racism, and antisemitism in this country. As members of this democracy, we all have a responsibility to speak out and stand firm against bigotry and injustice. As a disability rights organization, we know that a threat to one of us is a threat to us all, and we stand in solidarity with communities of color, including those who live in the intersections between our communities.”
“DREDF believes now is not the time for ambiguous statements or half-hearted responses. Let us be clear: racism and bigotry continue to ruin the lives of millions. As such, we unequivocally condemn the violence perpetrated in Charlottesville, and the racist ideologies that fueled it.
DREDF believes that we have a duty as advocates and activists, as fellow human beings, to eliminate the conditions which permit hate, bigotry, white supremacy, and violence to fester and cause harm. This includes the symbols of racism and the groups that seek to keep racism alive.”
“Members of the Communications Workers of America reject the vile actions and rhetoric of the white supremacists who paraded their hatred and bigotry this weekend in Charlottesville, Va. These evil actions, which President Trump couldn’t be bothered to condemn, instead offering a weak “violence on many sides” throwaway line, resulted in the tragic death of a young woman and injuries to many more.
Our government’s failure to condemn these evil people emboldens them, and sets us back in our determination to realize our goal of a nation where all people are respected, all have opportunity and all are full participants in our democracy.”
“The horrendous, heartbreaking display of hatred and bigotry in Charlottesville yesterday was an affront to our country and to the values most of us hold dear. We stand in solidarity with the counter-protesters who took a stand against white supremacists, neo-Nazis and racists – terrorists who once again resorted to appalling violence. We mourn the woman they murdered, wish all the counter-protesters who are still fighting for their lives a full and speedy recovery, and extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the police officers who died in the tragic helicopter crash.
We all have the right to free speech, but white supremacy, racism, anti-Semitism, hatred and bigotry have no place in our public discourse or our country. Our diversity is one of our country’s greatest strengthens and we must stand up to bigots and extremists, whether they target people of color, the Jewish community, LGBTQ individuals, Muslims, immigrants or any other group.”
“Today we mourn a victim of hate yet again. By all accounts, Heather Heyer was in Charlottesville among those protesting the so-called ‘Unite the Right’ rally because she felt a call to stand on the side of justice and equality. She was brutally and fatally wounded by a car that deliberately smashed into the crowd where she stood. The rally she protested drew Neo-Nazis, KKK members, anti-Semites, white nationalists and other purveyors of hate to Charlottesville to oppose the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from a prominent public park, but also to announce the strength of its supremacist following.
“That we have always had bigots and haters among us, we know all too well. That they feel emboldened by the tough guy rhetoric of the president of the United States is new in modern times. President Trump’s condemnation of ‘hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides, many sides’ was an obtuse failure to stand forthrightly against white supremacy and anti-Semitism. Stronger statements issued later from the White House and Ivanka Trump, among others, but none attributed to Trump himself, do little to fill the vacuum of leadership apparent on Saturday.”
“The National Center for Transgender Equality condemns the racists, White Supremacists, White Nationalists, Klansmen, anti-Semites, and Nazis who acted as terrorists while rallying to “Unite the Right” in Charlottesville, VA. Our hearts our broken for the victims of this hate. Our solidarity is with them as well as with the other counter protesters who stood strong in the face of hate. We call on the Trump/Pence administration to understand the shame and damage their near silence causes all Americans, and to respond strongly and without hesitation or quarter for the racists who perpetrated this violence and disgrace.”
“This tragedy is a reminder that as a nation, we have yet to address the long legacy of racism and slavery that is deeply embedded in our history and experienced in our present day. We cannot be silent and must speak out against the violence and intimidation we have seen in Charlottesville and far too many other cities. Working people must, and we will, join together and organize our communities to eliminate racism at all levels and create a world where everyone, no matter the color of their skin, can participate, prosper and reach our full potential.”
“Americans across the country witnessed the vicious bigotry and violence of the white supremacist movement on full display in Charlottesville this weekend as they took to the streets with the goal of terrorizing the community and normalizing hate. We condemn their intolerance and violent tactics and extend our condolences to the family of the woman who was tragically killed. Like millions around this country, we are horrified by the rise of hatred and call for strong leadership at this moment from the President and the Department of Justice. Now is not the time to equivocate about hate, violence and domestic terrorism. We stand with the community of Charlottesville and all of our partners to uphold a vision of America that celebrates our diversity and denounces hatred, racism, and violence.”
“Horrifying expressions of white supremacy and Nazi sympathies sadly are nothing novel in the United States, even in the 21st Century. What is shocking is that these demonstrations – with apparent deliberate fatal assaults against counter-protesters – should take place without a clear condemnation from the highest levels of government. What we are witnessing is a failure of our national institutions. We in the Urban League Movement call upon everyone with a voice on our national stage to condemn these demonstrations and these racist sentiments in the strongest possible terms. This is not who we are as a society and as a nation.”
“The horrific violence in Charlottesville leaves us all heartsick. Now is the time for the Justice Department to fulfill its role as guardian and enforcer of our civil rights, and work aggressively to investigate these attacks. We are heartened to hear DOJ’s condemnation of bigotry and violence, which have no place in our society. Let’s make no mistake: these attacks were carried out by white supremacists embracing a hateful ideology that is bubbling to the surface in our current political climate, and must be stopped before the fabric of our society is irreparably torn. In addition, we call on the administration to appoint, and the Senate to confirm, only judges who have a demonstrated commitment to civil and human rights.”
“HAF unequivocally condemns this wanton act of violence that apparently targeted counter-protestors at a rally of white nationalists, white supremacists, and neo-Nazis, killing one and injuring 19. Such acts have no place in a society that values free speech and the rule of law. Furthermore, such violence and the ideologies that spawned it run directly counter to the values of pluralism and mutual respect that form the foundation of our work. We extend condolences and compassion to everyone involved in this tragic event.”
“We at Voces believe there is no excuse or space for racism, sexism, bigotry or hate, and strongly condemn the actions by white supremacists in Charlottesville, VA.
“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were killed and injured in this horrific act of violence.
“Our country and our people are better than this and stronger than hate, and we remain committed to fighting those whose actions and hateful rhetoric instills fear and division and provokes actions that put our future and peace at risk.”
“Jobs With Justice condemns hatred, bigotry, and violence against our friends and neighbors. We grieve for the lives lost and pray for those critically injured as a result of the domestic terrorism committed in Charlottesville. We pour out our hearts to everyone in the Charlottesville community, and to those around the country who are traumatized by witnessing such barbaric, racist acts.
When tearing down symbols of hate sparks such vitriolic backlash, the work to fully dismantle racism from our society is far from over. We recognize the progress achieved as communities finally remove the white supremacist monuments that stain our country. Our nation needs more healing, unifying, and transformation to live up to our values of respect, equality, diversity, and freedom.”
“The images that came out of Charlottesville are painful and terrifying. Young, white men carrying torches with their faces contorted in hatred. People responded saying, ‘this is not my country’, but let me be very clear. This is the country that we live in. This is something that communities of color know all too well.”
“NASW recognizes and supports the right of all Americans to free speech. However, hate has no place in America. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there are currently 917 hate groups in the United States and most are comprised of white supremacists.
“The number of these groups has proliferated in the past 10 years and this trend must be reversed. The Trump administration must take immediate steps to closely monitor the activities of these hate groups. The administration also must aggressively respond to incidents of civil rights violations or acts of violence perpetrated by hate groups.
“The statements made this weekend by President Trump on the tragedy were wholly inadequate. The president’s failure to explicitly condemn white nationalism and neo-Nazism is unacceptable. At a moment when the nation needed presidential leadership, President Trump failed to meet that need.”
“This weekend was incredibly heartbreaking. The shocking and violent display of white supremacy in Charlottesville, VA is not representative of the Commonwealth or the country that I know and love. Marching with weapons and torches is not brave; it is a cowardly show of fear and not at all what Americans stand for. This is not our America.”
“In the face of racism, ignorance, and violence, we will not be silent. There is no place for white supremacy in America. Attacks on our nation’s diversity go against all that we stand for as Americans.”
“Now, as always, EMILY’s List stands with the communities of color who are leading the fight against this bigotry. We will continue our tireless efforts to elect even more women of color to office and drown out this racism and hate. We will not cower; we will not be silent; we will never back down.”
“The enabling and emboldening of right wing extremism is an issue of national security. Marches by torchlight make Americans fear for the lives of themselves and their families. Hateful mobs threaten to tear our communities apart. And now, we see attacks on peaceful counter-protestors that are as vile and as cowardly as those of any other terrorist.”
“Pluralism is not only a moral good but strategic asset to the United States, and it is incumbent on our leaders to make that argument. President Trump’s response to the events in Charlottesville are a vague, pitiful half-effort at best, and a deliberate attempt to avoid condemning his supporters among the instigators at worst. He has had no problem denouncing protestors against his administration and agenda with vigor and specificity; he must do so for this actual threat to law and order now.”
“The vile presence and rhetoric of the neo-Nazis who marched this weekend in Charlottesville is a reminder of the ever-present need for people of good will to stand strong, to speak loudly against hate, and act both to delegitimize those who spread such messages and to mitigate the harm done to the commonweal of our nation and to those that are the targets of hate messages.
Racist, anti-Semitic, and xenophobic views have no place in a society that cherishes freedom and liberty for all. The right to speak and to hold repugnant views is not a right to circumscribe the ability of others to live in peace and security. Torch-lit marches of hate evoke the KKK; the image of a heavily armed “militia” standing among the neo-Nazi protestors should send an alarm to every person of good conscience in our nation.”
“The Coalition is also disappointed by the slow and weak response from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to come to the aid of the city of Charlottesville and the peaceful social justice activists. There were clear and visible images via multiple media outlets showing hateful words, spitting, hitting, and other violent acts of terror by these White supremacist groups. The lack of a timely response to these images from the Attorney General of the United States is oppressive and encouraged the continued violence by these domestic terrorists.“
Stacey Long Simmons, Esq., Director of the Advocacy and Action Department of the National LGBTQ Task Force
“The violence we are witnessing is horrifying, but is merely the latest manifestation of the growing racist, anti-immigration, anti-Semitic, sexist and anti-LGBTQ hate in our midst. The continuing escalation of hate and white nationalist sentiment we are experiencing during the Trump administration has come to this – targeted violence in the streets of Virginia led by the Klu Klux Klan and Neo-Nazi organizations. The National LGBTQ Task Force will not stand by and watch the very fabric of this nation torn apart by hate. We will stand with our immigrant, Muslim, African-American, Latino, AAPI, disabled and all marginalized people targeted by the hate and discrimination coming from all directions, from the White House to the streets of Charlottesville.”
“The American Association of People with Disabilities strongly condemns the violence and white supremacy of the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia this weekend. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. This kind of hatred has no place in our society and we all have a responsibility to stand against it.
Unfortunately, the tragedy this weekend is not an isolated incident of the violence and oppression towards people of color and other marginalized communities. Be it the 1600s, the 1950s, or 2017, our nation has a very long history of hatred and violence motivated by race and bigotry. In his letter from Birmingham Jail in 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” As a disability rights organization, we stand with our partners in the broader civil rights community and unite against racism, bigotry, anti-semitism, and other forms of hatred.”
“Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the families of the victims of this senseless and ugly incident,” said SALDEF Executive Director Baldev Singh. “Attacks like this must be denounced by all Americans and our elected officials in the strongest terms possible. Free speech doesn’t equate to a free pass to spread bigotry and hate and inaction by the administration has emboldened these types of acts. Events like this are reprehensible and serve to further weaken the diversity that makes our country strong. We stand firmly against the xenophobic and anti-immigrant rhetoric used by the organizers of this rally, and will continue to work towards a safe and secure climate for all Americans.”
“The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) joins with the overwhelming majority of Americans who denounce the racism, bigotry, and violence that resulted in three deaths this weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia. This is not the first overt act of terrorism against a minority community this year, but the first to result in death. The unbridled white supremacist ideology espoused at the rallies in Charlottesville and Seattle must not be accepted as free expression of opinion, but repudiated as an incitement to commit hate crimes against minority communities and individuals. Hate speech leads to hate crimes.
We take this opportunity to call attention to actions less violent in nature, but equally steeped in racist and bigoted ideology and equally devastating in effect upon minority communities. The Trump administration has systematically dismantled the very instruments our government has in place to protect minorities from discrimination.”
“The National Collaborative for Health Equity strongly condemns the violence that resulted in at three deaths and dozens of injuries in Charlottesville, Virginia on Saturday, August 12, 2017. Our hearts are heavy, both because of the senseless injuries and loss of life, as well as the boldness of those motivated by hate to openly bash racial, religious, and sexual minorities. The fact that they felt so free to engage in hate speech and actions speaks to the depths to which our nation’s discourse has descended.
But we are confident that hatred will not win the day. The vast majority of Americans are repulsed by what we witnessed on Saturday. Now it’s up to all of us to condemn it.”
“These white nationalists have been emboldened by the election of Donald Trump; they proudly say so themselves. It took 48-hours for President Trump to condemn white supremacists, neo-Nazis and the KKK, but he has yet to denounce their support for his leadership, or condemn the so-called alt-right movement, members of which currently serve in prominent positions of his administration. It is disturbing to say the least and unmasks the intolerant reality of too much of his legislative agenda.”
UnidosUS Condemns Events in Charlottesville, Calls on President Trump to Fire Staff with Ties to White Supremacists in White House
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Heather Heyer and to all the victims of the racist violence in Charlottesville this weekend. We stand with those who bravely protect and defend all communities that have been targeted by bigotry, hatred and intolerance.
Today, nearly 48 hours after Saturday’s tragic events, President Trump finally condemned by name neo-Nazi and White supremacist organizations. But unfortunately, his comments sound more like empty posturing when we look at the policies this administration has put into place that target vulnerable communities, and the White supremacist ties of some of his key advisors.”
National Bar Association Statement on Charlottesville Rally “We will continue to serve as the nation’s legal conscience.”
“We stand ready to assist in such efforts and offer our expertise in the law to repair the breach that now exits in our land,” stated Juan R. Thomas, 75th President of the National Bar Association.
President Trump’s unfortunate statement, which appeared to suggest a moral equivalency between the acts of Neo-Nazis and peaceful counter demonstrators, is beneath the office and is a violation of trust. The civil and human rights of American citizens have been abrogated and it is the responsibility of the President of the United States to clearly decry such violations and restore confidence in justice and the rule of law.“
“We were revolted by the racist violence and intimidation in Charlottesville on Friday and Saturday, and stand in solidarity with the communities of color targeted by the naked display of hate and bigotry. We are moved by the courage and love of the brave people who came out to confront them and grateful to the thousands of Americans who protested white supremacy last night in cities across the nation. Our hearts go out to the families of those injured and killed. Above all, Lambda Legal is committed to the ongoing struggle for racial justice in our country.
Racist violence is as old as America. At the center of our struggle as a nation there has always been a battle between subjugation based on white supremacy and ideals of equality of justice for all. The racist, homophobic, xenophobic, and anti-Semitic views so boldly on display this weekend are a cancer on our society.”
“We are sickened by what happened in Charlottesville on Saturday; shocked by the deliberate murder and maiming of women and men peacefully protesting racism, bigotry, and hatred; and alarmed that a large band of white supremacists could march through the UVA campus and streets of Charlottesville carrying torches and weapons, unabashedly spewing an ideology that is vile and evil—and that should have no place in our country.
“And frankly, we are appalled that in the highest office in the land, there was an unconscionable delay—revealing an unwillingness—to explicitly repudiate the white supremacist movement by name, and without reservation or equivocation. This is a profoundly troubling moment in America.”
“In moments like these, it’s critical that our political leaders speak in a clear voice opposing hatred.” stated JCPA Board Chair Cheryl Fishbein. “What our leaders do and say sets the parameters for the rest of the society.”
“There is no comparison between the protestors, who brought hate and violence to the streets of one of the symbolic birth places of American democracy, and the counter protestors” said David Bernstein, JCPA’s President and CEO. “The Rally was one of the largest showings from a hate group in decades. We stand with people of good will from all walks of life who are speaking out against hate. We must drive it back into the underground and to the margins of society.”
“This weekend in Charlottesville, we saw a group of white supremacists use violent words, and even more violent behavior, to ridicule, harass, debase, and injure people of color, people of the Jewish faith, and other marginalized communities. Thousands took to the street, including allies, one of whom, Heather Heyer, was killed in an act of what many people, including Virginia Gov. McAuliffe, are rightly calling domestic terrorism. We mourn her death, as well as those of the two state troopers who died in the line of duty.
To add insult to literal injury, our own President took more than 48 hours to call the perpetrators–white supremacists, Nazis, and the KKK–and their actions repugnant, and this only after two days of leaders from across the country doing so themselves.”
“When white nationalists shouted racial and religious slurs and other disturbing phrases in the streets, this was not under the premise of peaceful protest; it was simply hateful violence. When James Alex Fields, Jr., allegedly plowed his car through a crowd of counter-protestors, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer, this was an act of domestic terrorism. Beyond his unconscionably delayed denunciation of white supremacy, we urge President Trump to take action by firing those enabling white supremacists from his administration and ending his pursuit of policies that enable and promote hate and division.”
“So I want to be clear on this point. The National Disability Rights Network stands on the side of all those who rejected hate in Charlottesville. There is right and there is wrong. And the so-called “Unite the Right” extremists who took to the streets to intimidate and commit violence are wrong.
“We mourn the loss of Heather Heyer who was killed by their hatred and we thank the courageous individuals in Charlottesville who risked their lives to defend equality.
“NDRN will continue to work with the many civil rights groups who share our values of community and inclusion for all until hatred, bigotry, and racism are extinguished for good.
“It is a very low bar to expect that every American in a position of authority loudly reject the racism, anti-Semitism and overall hate-mongering of the group convened in Charlottesville to protest the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue. Their views have no place in a democracy that values all its citizens.
Racism generates real, disturbing economic outcomes, disadvantaging blacks and others in where they live, what they earn, what wealth they have and what opportunities are available. Racism is also just plain mean and ugly.
President Trump’s response to racism and violence is disheartening. However, the revulsion articulated by many of our leaders across parties and sectors provides hope and clarity. Americans need to rally around decency and inclusion.”
“Racism, anti-Semitism, and hatred directed at immigrants and refugees are dangerous, un-American, and make victims of domestic violence from these communities less likely to reach out for help. NNEDV is committed to creating a social, political, and economic environment that is rooted in justice and safety for all. Though we are primarily focused on ending domestic violence, we agree with Martin Luther King, Jr., that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We stand alongside those working in communities across the nation – from Charlottesville, VA to Chalan Pago, Guam – to end violence, racism, and oppression.”
“This weekend’s tragic events were not simply a clash of “many sides”—they were directly caused by white supremacists who were motivated by an ideology that is filled with hate and bigotry and rooted in our country’s long, painful legacy of racial and ethnic inequity.
Everyone should be able to live their lives free of racially- and ethnically-motivated violence and terror. But as this weekend has shown, racism and bigotry remain urgent problems and continue to pose both an existential threat and economic barrier to far too many people. These sorts of ideas and actions are not just evident at white nationalist rallies and marches, but they are also manifest in our country’s major institutions and public policies, hindering the quality of life and chances at opportunity for millions of people in this country. We must educate ourselves on the historical underpinnings of white supremacy and white privilege and take concrete steps to overcome them. While pervasive, these phenomena are a clear threat to equity, justice, and inclusivity for all, have no place in our society, and must be condemned and fought at every turn.”
“We are heartbroken and horrified by this weekend’s rally of white supremacist groups who shouted racist, anti-semitic, and anti-LGBTQ chants, displayed Nazi and KKK flags and symbols, and violently attacked anti-racist counter protesters.
With schools in Virginia and across the country returning to classes over the coming weeks, it is imperative that educators and school administrators plan how their schools will support students of color and do the work to ensure we dismantle racism and white supremacy at all levels of education. Racism and white supremacy have no place in our communities, and the work to end it begins in our nation’s K-12 schools. Ignoring this reality is not an option.”
“We see claims that women are biologically unfit for certain jobs and violent hate marches calling for a return to all white power as connected,” said Noreen Farrell, Executive Director of ERA. “We stand with women and people of color, immigrants, religious minorities, and gay and trans people to fight stereotypes and oppression, especially as this Administration continues to orchestrate civil rights roll-backs.”
Statement by LatinoJustice in Response to the White Supremacist Violence In Charlottesville, Virginia
“This weekend’s violence against people who uphold the values of a democracy grounded in racial equality is a tragic reminder of how the words, actions and silence of one man can ignite racial hatred. Make no mistake about this, the violence and the loss of life lies squarely with Donald Trump.
His pretense of ignorance of white supremacists during his campaign, his hiring of white nationalists in the White House, and his intentional refusal to denounce white supremacist violence immediately after the events in Charlottesville nurtures and feeds into a segment of the country that yearns for a race war.”
“We first offer our condolences to the immediate families and friends of the victims of this hateful act of violence. Violence in any form will not repair the brokenness in our country and to see this tactic carried out by white supremacists is horrific. As the president of the United States failed to react immediately to explicitly condemn white supremacy, the Latino community, communities of color and advocates across the country will remain united to engage in peaceful resistance to fight for a just and inclusive society,” said Hector Sanchez Barba, Chair of NHLA and Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement.
“The HNBA condemns the violent acts committed in Charlottesville by white supremacists, and calls for the perpetrators to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, including, where appropriate, federal hate crime and terrorism charges,” said HNBA National President Pedro J. Torres-Díaz. “We welcome the announcement by the Justice Department of an investigation into these lawless acts, and stand ready to assist in any way we can to ensure that justice prevails.”
“Racial hatred has helped build and maintain systems in this country that continue to harm black lives and communities,” said NHeLP Executive Director Elizabeth G. Taylor. “We have a health care system that has historically discriminated against people of color, and in turn has created enormous health inequities that will take decades to overcome. Our organization cannot condemn strongly enough white supremacists. They advance no speech or thought needed in the marketplace of ideas. White supremacy is about subjugation of non-white people. White supremacists preach and practice hatred and violence; neither is acceptable in a society that strives to be fair, just and compassionate. NHeLP stands with all human and civil rights groups in condemning racist philosophies and their violent consequences.”
“The despicable acts of hate and racism we saw this past weekend cannot be called anything else but acts of terror. To water down the true intent and meaning of such a vitriolic rally is to be complicit in a system that accepts the debasement and dehumanization of communities of color and all marginalized groups.”
“APALA condemns this ongoing trend of white supremacy, racism, and outright bigotry, and we will continue to partner with coalitions and networks that build power for ours- and allied- communities and work towards a more equitable and just society.”
“NCIL strongly condemns the racist and anti-Semitic violence that occurred over the weekend in Charlottesville, VA. We are horrified by the loss of life and brutality that took place at the hands of violent white supremacists. We especially honor and acknowledge Heather Heyer, who was killed when a white supremacist deliberately rammed his car into a crowd of counter protestors, injuring 19 people who were putting their bodies on the line in the fight for justice. We decry the lack of police response to the escalating white violence in Charlottesville. We stand in solidarity with all of those who have not allowed racist and Anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence to go unchecked in their communities.”
“In recent months, white supremacist hate groups have targeted South Asians, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, African Americans, Jews, Latinos, and other immigrants and people of color in a rising tide of violence. This weekend’s tragic events in Charlottesville, and the administration’s anemic response, is emblematic of the White House’s ongoing campaign against communities of color,” stated Suman Raghunathan, Executive Director of SAALT. “We demand a total and complete shutdown of white supremacy and insist the President abandons the anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, and anti-American policies and rhetoric that have validated and emboldened such violence across the nation. We also demand that the white supremacist leadership in this administration be immediately terminated.”
“The Charlottesville community experienced multiple waves of horror this weekend. NLG trained Legal Observers were on the ground watching as those who terrorized our community by fulfilling their promises to enact violence. Our hearts our broken but our chapter is united and resolute in our determination to provide legal support to organizers who will continue to protect Charlottesville,” said Andrew Mahler, NLG Central VA Chapter Chair.While the hateful rhetoric and policies of President Donald Trump and his administration have emboldened racists to assert their “right” to hate speech and violence, the United States was founded in white supremacy—it is nothing new. It is in the spirit of dismantling this oppression that we move forward in the struggle to liberate our institutions, society, and culture.”
Statement by Abby Maxman, President, Oxfam America in response to the white supremacist rally and violence in Charlottesville, VA
“Oxfam believes in a just, equitable world and vehemently condemns the racist rhetoric, incitements to violence, and heated hate speech at this weekend’s white supremacist rally in Charlottesville.
“We stand in steadfast solidarity with marginalized communities and believe President Trump’s administration and Congress must, without equivocation, condemn words and acts that infringe on the rights and safety of any member of our society.
“Racism has no place in America. While we support the peaceful right to march and protest, the intention of this weekend’s march and the rally of Nazis, white nationalists, and white supremacists was to intimidate and espouse a dogma of hate,” said Vicki Shu, OCA National Vice President of Public Affairs. “Hate crimes against Asian Americans and other minority groups have been on the rise. We call on all Americans to join us and other marginalized communities to speak out against bigotry, and to come together to eliminate hate. President Trump must make it clear that racists, Nazis, and others who threaten communities of color will not be tolerated.”
“Despite his statement today, President Trump has pursued the advancement of policies that promote the marginalization of minority communities which emboldens the very white nationalists who descended on Charlottesville this weekend. And he continues to seek the counsel of Steve Bannon, who once bragged that the Trump administration is ‘the platform for the alt-right.’ It is no wonder that former Ku Klux Klan president David Duke said this weekend’s rally was to ‘fulfill the promises of Donald Trump.’
“Our country is stronger when people of all backgrounds are welcome in their own communities and treated with respect and dignity. As one of the oldest and largest racial justice organizations in our country, the Lawyers’ Committee understands the human devastation discrimination brings, and the urgency of acting now to combat discrimination and hate. We will continue to press the U.S. Department of Justice to fully investigate the individuals and hate organizations tied to this weekend’s Charlottesville rally and expect Attorney General Jeff Sessions to aggressively pursue any and all federal civil rights charges or domestic terrorism charges that may be warranted.”
“Families and educators will struggle to find ways to talk with children and students of all ages about this, and it won’t be easy. But it must be done if history is not to repeat itself.
It’s not important that we, as adults, know all the answers. It’s important that we let them ask all the questions and explore the complexity of our human family. And it’s important that children know that there is right and there is wrong.”
“We all must have the moral courage to call this weekend’s events in Charlottesville what they are: overt displays of racist, white supremacist ideology that target people of color and other minorities with hate, bigotry and violence. We call on our communities, friends, and family to redouble our efforts to build an America in which white supremacy has no place, and we call on our political leaders to make clear whether they intend to lead us in this effort.”
“Carrying torches and shouting chants against immigrants and non-whites on Friday night, the white supremacists who gathered in Charlottesville this weekend turned their words into violence on Saturday when one person was killed and almost two dozen others injured.
“This has to stop now, before more of these incidents occur. Unfortunately, the president’s harmful, nativist rhetoric has encouraged this type of behavior. We see it on social media and now on the streets of an American city.”
“Every American should be vigilant in insisting that the Justice Department honor its obligations to run a thorough investigation and conduct vigorous prosecutions of those responsible for this attack. But we need more than an investigation and prosecution from the President, his administration and our elected officials. The poisonous and divisive rhetoric of President Trump’s campaign and his administration have fed the hateful impulses that led to the Charlottesville attack. We call on him and on all politicians in Washington and in the states to abandon the politics of dog whistles and hate. The poisoned state of politics in the U.S. today must change and our current elected officials must help lead that change.”
AFSCME emphatically and unequivocally condemns the Nazi white nationalists who spewed vile bigotry and incited domestic terrorism on Saturday. Now is a moment for all Americans who believe in freedom and justice, in tolerance and inclusion, to stand up and speak out.”
Yesterday in Charlottesville, VA the nation and the world witnessed the hateful views and violent actions of white supremacists and neo-Nazis. This racism and bigotry is the worst kind of evil in our world and does not represent the true values of America. The true values of our country, values like equality and solidarity, are what have always overcome the most abominable prejudices. Any response must begin with our leaders, starting with President Trump, acknowledging this for what it is: domestic terrorism rooted in bigotry. My heart goes out to the victims especially the family of those who lost their lives including a young woman named Heather Heyer and state Troopers Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates. I pray for everyone’s safety. The labor movement condemns this domestic terrorism and remains committed to eradicating the despicable causes of hatred and intolerance.
“We at World Without Genocide urge us all to be upstanders, not bystanders, to hate and violence. We must counter this national narrative with local movements to achieve inclusion, equality, and justice. We have the power to act and our time is now.”
“Hatred, Anti-Semitism, racism, sexism and other forms of bias do not belong in 21st Century America. Moreover, hundreds of thousands have already given their lives to combat slavery and Jim Crow, the Klan, Nazism and Fascism since the 19th Century. We condemn any efforts to resurrect these philosophies of hate, division and fear, and to rain terror upon our fellow citizens.
We are one America and in 2017 our diversity and inclusivity is our strength. America will never be great by extirpating this diversity, born by the immigration – voluntary and involuntary – of people from around the world and by those who were here before the arrival of Europeans. The United States of America, which has always been a multi-racial nation, will become greater by embracing this diversity and making use of all of our talents and abilities.”
“Since the founding of the United States, Americans of all backgrounds have fought to extend its principles to ALL of its citizens. Among other things, the U.S. Constitution guarantees our right to free speech; however, we lose that right when our speech incites violence. Instead, we must uphold our democratic values and resolve differences of opinion with respectful dialogue and public discourse.”
“The muted and delayed response from the Trump Administration sent a message that implicitly validated these violent acts of hatred that have no place in our society. That message is even starker when viewed alongside the administration’s ongoing series of policies and proposals that would devastate low-income people, communities of color, immigrants, Muslims, and others. In both rhetoric and actions, this administration represents the greatest threat to low-income people in CLASP’s history through its efforts to shred health care and other core federal programs, terrorize immigrants and their families, ban refugees, reinstate failed “law and order” policing practices, and ignore basic civil rights—among other egregious actions.”
“FairVote opposes racism and stands with Americans horrified by the violence and calls for inequality in the rallies in Charlottesville. We send our deep sympathies to the families and friends of those injured and killed. In such moments, all who value the freedom, diversity, equality, and peaceful exchange of ideas at the heart of the American experiment, are reminded of how much work lies ahead — and we redouble our commitment to a more perfect union and a democracy that works for all Americans.”
“Saturday’s act of domestic terrorism took the lives of Heather Heyer, a fellow Bernie supporter and coworker in the movement for social justice, and two police officers, Pilot Lt. H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bate. Many others are suffering from injuries. Make no mistake, this was an intentional act of hatred by white nationalists. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this act of terrorism and their families.”
“Sadly, we know that the history of this country is plagued by racial violence and the false notion of white supremacy. From Native American genocide, to slavery, and the era of lynchings, groups like the Ku Klux Klan have sought to take power from people of color through fear and violence. We will not let them, or fear, win.”
“We are outraged by the violence in Charlottesville and the racial hatred displayed by right-wing extremists, white supremacists and neo-Nazi groups,” said the experts in a joint statement.
“We view these events as the latest examples of increasing racism, racial discrimination, Afrophobia, racist violence and xenophobia observed in demonstrations across the USA.
“We are deeply concerned at the proliferation and increasing prominence of organized hate and racist groups. Acts of hatred and racist hate speech must be unequivocally condemned. Hate crimes must be investigated and the perpetrators prosecuted.”
“The recent acts of domestic terrorism in Charlottesville committed in support of white supremacy require us all to provide moral clarity. What transpired, including the killing of anti-racist protester Heather Heyer by a neo-Nazi, warrants condemnation from decent people everywhere. But, they also must make action more imperative, including work to inform the public and our leaders about racial injustice and solutions to address it.”
“Let’s be clear. There is no moral equivalency between marchers for civil rights and justice and those sowing hatred and violent extremism in our neighborhoods and communities. There are not “many sides” to these events and there is not “blame to go around” for what ensued.
All of us at NLIHC condemn, in the strongest possible terms, white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and the KKK. We condemn the racism, anti-Semitism, anti-immigrant, homophobia, Islamophopia and other forms of hate they spew. We stand in solidarity with people of color and other historically oppressed communities and with all allies who value diversity, equity and justice.”
“White supremacy, Nazism, and demonstrations steeped in hatred go against everything that we believe at the American Federation of Government Employees. Unions are about strength in numbers and standing up for all workers, regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or political views. As one of the most diverse unions in the country that represents workers from all walks of life and various backgrounds, we are infuriated by what occurred this weekend.
“We commend the men and women who bravely stood in the face of hate and wouldn’t back down from violence, and applaud the law enforcement officers who put their duty first in trying to keep the peace.
Statement from Alliance for Excellent Education President and Former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise
“I am saddened and sickened by the violent, racist, hateful acts committed by white supremacists in Charlottesville. Mince no words, those waving Nazi flags espouse the same ideology of hate resulting in the Holocaust to lynchings, to Jim Crow, that have stained the world and this nation during and after slavery.
“We must remember that for every discriminatory act that appears on network news or on the front page of the daily newspaper, there are far more cases of violence, intimidation, and verbal and physical abuse that leave individuals and families suffering in silence and away from the public eye. A lonely high school corridor can be as frightening as an angry street when racism and intolerance run the halls.”