In response to racist harassment of South Portland schools’ DEI coordinator by a known white supremacist, Maine Democratic Party Chair Bev Uhlenhake and Maine Democratic Party Vice Chair Julian Rogers released the following statement:
“The racist & threatening letter sent to a South Portland school staff member overseeing the district’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion initiatives is just the most recent attempt by white nationalists to intimidate Mainers of color and comes amidst an escalation in divisive rhetoric and attacks on Maine’s educators.”
“It is heartbreaking that a Maine school is losing a staff member and a Maine community is losing a friend & neighbor because a hateful individual felt emboldened to target & harass a professional who was dedicated to supporting & serving South Portland’s children & families.”
“We will not stand by and allow this rhetoric to become commonplace, nor will we allow our friends and neighbors to become political targets. We must continue to condemn racism and white supremacy whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head, and we invite all Mainers to join us in this mission.”
“The Maine Democratic Party is proud to have a permanent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee, and we are fully committed to working to make sure that all people; regardless of the color of their skin, their religion, their sexual orientation, or their gender identity, can feel welcome within our Party and at home here in Maine.”
####