Civil and Human Rights Coalition Denounces Hate Rallies; Calls on Trump to Act

WASHINGTON – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement following the hate rallies In Charlottesville, VA:

“Our thoughts go out to those peaceful counter-protesters who were victims of violence today, especially the people who lost their lives.

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.

Our coalition stands in solidarity with all those who speak out against bigotry.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.