Local
Press Release
Statement on Charlottsville
Spa Area Independent Living Services -
On Friday, August 11, 2017, a group of Neo-Nazi, white supremacists went to Charlottesville, Virginia with one goal: To intimidate and incite fear into our society. We cannot allow them to be successful. Spa Area Independent Living Services and Disability Resource and Advocacy Center stand with many, many organizations around the country who are denouncing this violence and hatred.
We believe in equality and acceptance for all people. People with disabilities, and especially those who are people of color, Jewish, LGBTQ+, or members of other marginalized communities have experienced discrimination for far too long. We are in complete solidarity with our allies in the fight against this type of behavior. There are not words to describe our vehement disagreement of Donald Trump's assessment that there is blame "on both sides". This attitude of blaming the victim has no place in our society. This racism and hatred has got to be called out and not allowed to continue. We all must take on the responsibility of putting an end to this behavior.
As centers for independent living, every life is of value to us. We will continue to be a safe place where everyone is welcome. We will not forget that Heather Heyer lost her life fighting for justice and equality and we will do our best to honor her memory by doing the same. Martin Luther King Jr said "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter". We will not be silent.
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