John,
On Thursday, September 25, the White House issued a memorandum on political violence. The memo provides a broad framework for investigating individuals, organizations, funders, and other networks that the administration believes contribute to acts of political violence.
We know that community members, donors and partners may have questions about this memorandum and other actions being taken by the federal government. Our staff is attending various briefings this week hosted by national partners to dive into the memo, its implications, and what to expect going forward.
Let us be clear: Political violence has no place in our commonwealth and in our democracy. The difficult reality is that political violence is on the rise.
From gun violence to threats against elected officials, intimidation of health care providers, schools, and community events, and targeted harassment both online and in person one this is clear. Equality Virginia’s staff and partners have experienced these threats firsthand. They harm individuals, silence voices, and weaken our democracy.
While we share a commitment to addressing political violence; the broad language of this memorandum has raised concerns across many organizations and communities regarding uncertainties about how it might be used. It comes at a time when many communities - including ours - have been the target of ongoing harmful rhetoric and actions that seek to diminish our full participation in public life. Together, we know that these are causing real fear for many in our communities.
Now more than ever, Equality Virginia remains committed to our mission, to each other, and to the constitutional rights that safeguard us all—freedom of speech, press, and assembly; due process; and the rule of law.
Equality Virginia will continue to provide the best information we have available to ensure the communities we serve and our partners can support one another and make informed decisions in a shifting landscape.
We remain committed to the work, to each other and to you. To safety, to our constitutional rights, and to our shared commitments to free and fair democracy that includes all of us.
Be safe. Be kind. Stay engaged.
We’ve got this. We’ve got us.
Equality Virginia
