Congressional briefing aims to address uptick in hate violence

SAALT was joined by eight members of Congressional leadership and community partners
SAALT was joined by eight members of Congressional leadership and community partners

WASHINGTON (TIP): On March 23, 2017, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), a national South Asian civil rights organization, held a Congressional briefing to address the uptick in hate violence nationwide and highlight recommendations for change, as outlined in their recent report, “Power, Pain, Potential.”  SAALT was joined by eight members of Congressional leadership and community partners in an urgent discussion on combating the surge in hate violence aimed at South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Arab, and Middle Eastern Americans across the country.

Indian American lawmakers who joined the discussion include Congressman Ami Bera, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal , Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi , and Congressman Ro Khanna.

“As President Trump continues to test fire Muslim bans, this administration appears intent on intensifying efforts to ignore and provoke hate violence,” stated Suman Raghunathan, Executive Director of SAALT. “The President has a sworn duty to protect the rights and safety of all Americans. Today’s briefing with Congressional leaders is an important step in making sure President Trump doesn’t escape his responsibilities.”

“As a nation, we must come together to stand up to these disturbing acts of hate violence – starting with the President. I am saddened and outraged when I hear about any American being warned not to speak their language or wear traditional clothing in public out of safety concerns. These hateful attacks do not reflect who we are as a nation of immigrants, but such violence could do irreparable damage to our reputation around the world”, said Ami Bera.

“We will continue to be resilient to counter the fearful, hateful people who think they can control us-they cannot. The resolution that Congressman Crowley and I introduced, along with the work of SAALT are steps in the direction of ending this vitriol, but every single person in this country has a stake in ending hate. This falls on all of us, I would encourage the current administration to remember that”, said Pramila Jayapal.

“The hate-motivated crimes we have witnessed these past months have been an attack on the very spirit of America. As we confront this wave of hate, it is heartening to see so many Americans -from the South Asian community and others – coming together for essential meetings, like this briefing, to speak out and stand up for the values of our country”, said Raja Krishnamoorthi.

“I have full confidence that our country will stand together, on a bipartisan basis, against hateful words and actions, and we must prosecute any hate crimes to the full extent of the law”, said Ro Khanna.

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