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Pesticide Action Network

Pesticide Action Network

Food and farming group condemns racist violence in Virginia

For Immediate Release: August 14, 2017

On August 11 and 12, white nationalist groups rallied and marched in Charlottesville, Virginia to protest the state’s decision to take down a confederate statue. Both Nazi and confederate symbols were in abundance. These groups promote hatred and fear, and on Saturday their march resulted in deadly violence. Pesticide Action Network (PAN) strongly condemns these groups and their racism.

Kristin Schafer, Executive Director of PAN, issued the following statement in response to the weekend’s events:

“The events of this past weekend in Charlottesville showcased the forces of racism and bigotry in this country in their rawest form. The ideology of hatred fueling the torch-bearing marchers has no place in our country, or anywhere in the world. It is unacceptable.

We have a long way to go toward racial justice here in the U.S., and we cannot let these violent extremists pull us backward and undermine hard-won civil rights. For each of us — and particularly for those of us who are white — this is not a time to be silent or complacent. We who are working toward social justice in any sector must take a firm stand against white supremacy, and we urge political leaders across the country to do the same.

In PAN’s organizational statement of values, we lift  up collaboration, equity and solidarity, and we are guided by these commitments this and every day.

To those on the side of justice in Charlottesville and beyond, we are with you.”

Contact: Paul Towers, 916-216-1082, ptowers@panna.org

For information on this evening’s national call to “Confront hate and defend our communities,” click here. The call is organized by The Movement for Black Lives.

Photo: Michael Sessum | Flickr

Pesticide Action Network

Pesticide Action Network

Pesticide Action Network is dedicated to advancing alternatives to pesticides worldwide. Follow @pesticideaction

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