There have been a series of hate speech incidents over recent weeks in Tempe and Mesa, orchestrated by Neo-Nazi groups and hate preachers. Some of the incidents included anti-Black, anti-immigrant, anti-LGBT and anti-Muslim speech and intimidation. This behavior and these sentiments do not reflect the values of our community.
We the undersigned have joined together to express our opposition to the presence and activities of hate groups in our community. We are deeply concerned about recent manifestations of hate. As community leaders, we have united to underscore our common value of working together to create a community of respect.
Our shared fundamental principles require us to speak out when we see hate around us. Ignoring the presence of hate speech, with its accompanying literature and social media does not make its vile message disappear. We will not sit idly by when hate raises its ugly head in our community. Not only are we united in denouncing hate, but we are united in supporting a community that is committed to the free exchange of ideas, the principles of inclusion and the celebration of diversity.
— Jake Bennett, ADL Arizona
— James Rund, ASU administration
—George Dean, Urban League
—
Reverend Erin Tamayo
, Arizona Faith Network
— Ed Maldonado, President, Los Abogados (AZ Hispanic Bar Association)
— Rev. Susan Ringler, Tempe Interfaith
— Cassidy R. Possehl, ASU Undergraduate Student Government - Tempe
— Michael Thompson, ASU Police
— Debbie Yunker Kail, Hillel ASU
— Rabbi Jordan Brumer, Jewish Arizonans on Campus
— Rabbi Robert L. Kravitz, D.D.
— Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Congregation Kehillah
— Pastor Ken Heintzelman, Shadow Rock Church
—
Rabbi John Linder
, Temple Solel
Join the Conversation
To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs
Comments
This conversation is moderated according to USA TODAY's community rules. Please read the rules before joining the discussion.