Together We Rise: Promoting leadership, affirming identity
and demanding equity
Racist Attacks Demand Action Not Useless Condolences & Empty Promises The latest mass shootings clearly highlight Mexicans, Latinx immigrants and other people of color as targets of white nationalist rage. This should come as no surprise given the racism and hatred perpetuated by demagogue Trump who has called Mexicans and Latinx immigrants rapists and criminals and who has smirked at his supporters’ calls for extremist responses, giving them a metaphorical wink and a nod, approving and even encouraging violence. Trump’s recent “send them back to where they come from” publicity campaign was aimed against congressional women of color and used as yet another opportunity to ignite racial antagonism and rally his rightwing supporters, in this case against primarily Black women and immigrants. The racist rage stirred by Trump and much of the Republican Party is an attempt to galvanize his base and use fear and anger to pursue reelection, which they expect will distract their supporters and allow the bought-and-paid-for- legislators and public officials to continue policies that favor the financial and corporate classes.Trump recently took time away from his golf outings to attempt to be “Presidential.” His uninspired utterances of the requisite sympathetic words should be seen in light of Trump’s racist family separation policies, his sadistic violation of the human rights of children, and his role in validating and provoking racism and violence. In light of the recent tragedies, we mourn with the families and communities of El Paso, Dayton, and Gilroy. The Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education calls for its membership to express its empathy and solidarity for all the victims of terroristic violence by prompting public officials to take action, encouraging electoral mobilization, and urging the formation of strong and organized communities that can change the nature of the racist Trump discourse to a discussion that promotes social justice in a pluralistic society that truly respects all of its members. In Solidarity, ILACHE Board Members The mission of Illinois LAtino Council on Higher Education (ILACHE) is to work collaboratively with colleges, universities, and other stakeholders to increase the access, retention, and advancement of Latin@ students, faculty, and staff in Illinois higher education institutions.
ILACHE joins with many other educational and social organizations across the country that have denounced the inhumane treatment of immigrant families and youth. The precipitous deterioration of democratic culture, processes, and institutions is alarming. This disconcerting conservative wave is characterized by heightened imperial ambitions abroad, the diplomacy of arrogance in foreign affairs, and the demonization of immigrant workers and refugee seekers, many of whom are the victims of past and current policies of economic and political destabilization. Nowhere is the outcome of rightwing populism more evident than in the demagogic projection of all immigrants, particularly Latino/as as thieves, rapists and drug dealers. The dehumanization of people is the necessary first step to enact policies and procedures that violate basic human rights and dignity that should be respected by any civil society. The separation of children from parents, their incarceration in cages, the abuse of power, including the violation of women and children, is not the practice of democratic and civilized societies. The torture of children, which is what the separation from mothers and their families constitute, is being done without regard for the long-term consequences of these actions. These are mainly children of color and their wellbeing and their futures hold no worth for those who promulgate policy on the basis of prejudice and fear. ILACHE was founded on aspirations of hope and opportunity for all. It urges all people of conscience to reject the appeal to racism and support campaigns to put an end to inhumane and undemocratic policies of hate. We urge you to act today to protect Illinois immigrant communities by calling Governor Rauner at 217-782-0244 and ask that he sign SB 34 (VOICES Act), SB 35 (Safe Zones Act), and SB 3488 (No Registry Act). The VOICES Act will help immigrant survivors of domestic violence and trafficking; the Safe Zones Act will protect immigrant families while they’re learning at school or getting care at a hospital, and the No Registry Act will prohibit Illinois from participating in any federal registry program that singles out any group based on religion or national origin. On behalf of the ILACHE Board |
