Family Values @ Work condemns terrorism, Islamaphobia, white nationalism and xenophobia

With profound sorrow, Family Values @ Work condemns the terrorist attack on Muslim prayer-goers in New Zealand, and the Islamaphobia, white nationalism and xenophobia that drove it. To the families of the 50 Muslim worshippers who died and the dozens more who were injured at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, and to all our Muslim family – we extend our deepest sympathies and stand with you in determination to end such attacks and their root causes. 

We know that white nationalism is inextricably linked to misogyny, xenophobia and all forms of racism. We also know that the current administration in the US has stoked the growth of white nationalism here and around the world by its comments and its silence, its hiring decisions, and actions like the Muslim ban and vicious attacks on immigrant families. Describing refugees as “invaders” and “criminals” only fuels individuals like the terrorist in New Zealand. Around the world, the rising tide of hateful rhetoric against Muslims, Jews, immigrants, refugees, the LGBTQ+ community, women, and additional “others” is an alarming signal of the fragility of our democracies and the urgent need for action.

We know that our leaders can make effective changes to help fight this rise of white nationalism. We applaud the swift action of Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern to condemn this as a terrorist act of hate and to launch immediate steps toward gun safety. We demand the same actions of the Trump administration to protect our neighborhoods, children and the future of this country. We stand with organizations who are protecting our immigrant families and working against the Muslim ban. We also encourage donations to the families in New Zealand.

Groups throughout our network will be joining vigils, speak-outs and other activities to stand with Muslim communities throughout our country. In doing so, we affirm our commitment to challenge the structures of white supremacy within our society and to defeat the rise of white nationalism.