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Concerned citizens are encouraged to call 844-9-NO-HATE to report bias-based incidents

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Thousands of KKK, neo-Confederates, Proud Boys, neo-Nazis and members of other white supremacist organizations will converge to Charlottesville, Virginia this weekend for a “Unite the Right” rally to protest the removal of a Confederate-era statue. In response, thousands of peaceful demonstrators opposed to the messages of hate will be standing in opposition and calling for tolerance in our communities.

Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law stated:

“The Lawyers’ Committee rejects the hateful rhetoric promoted by the organizers of Saturday’s white nationalist rally in Charlottesville. Our country is stronger when people of all backgrounds are welcome in their own communities and treated with respect and dignity. Saturday’s rally is an example of how the current Administration’s advancement of policies that promote the marginalization of minority communities has further emboldened white nationalists, who have a history of contributing to a climate of fear and hate.

“The white nationalist rally, organized around the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, is just the latest attempt to normalize hate and retain the architectural vestiges of some of our nation’s most frightening times. While some of our nation’s darkest history is behind us, this rally demonstrates we still have a long way to go.”

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a Communities Against Hate partner, leads the Stop Hate Project.  The Stop Hate Project works to strengthen the capacity of community leaders, local government, law enforcement, and organizations around the country to combat hate by connecting these groups with legal and social services resources and creating new ones in response to identified needs.  The Project’s resource and reporting hotline for hate incidents, 1-844-9-NO-HATE (1-844-966-4283), connects people and organizations combating hate with the resources and support they need. 

About the Lawyers’ Committee:

The Lawyers’ Committee, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination.  Now in its 54th year, the Lawyers’ Committee is continuing its quest “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights

Contact:

Derrick Robinson

Drobinson@lswyerscommittee.org