08/16/2017
The Brothers of the Iota Nu Delta (INΔ) Fraternity condemn the violence that occurred on Saturday in Charlottesville, Virginia. We denounce the white supremacist, neo-Nazi, and K*K rallies in Charlottesville that incited this violence and the organizations and causes they represent. The Brothers of INΔ also extend our deepest condolences to the family of Heather Heyer, the counter-protester and Charlottesville resident killed in act of domestic terrorism during last weekend’s events.
As we condemn the violence in Charlottesville, we also decry any attempt, particularly by public officials, to understate the role the aforementioned hate groups played in last weekend’s violence and the danger they pose to society. This rise in hate is exacerbated by an increase in xenophobic rhetoric in political discourse. This type of rhetoric, utilized by public figures to stoke fear, is not only unacceptable, but dangerous. The violence in Charlottesville is yet another incident in a disturbing spike in hate across the country directed at minority and immigrant communities. Since 9/11, South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Middle Eastern and Arab communities have often found themselves as the targets of such vitriol and hate.
As the world’s first South Asian interest fraternity, INΔ was founded to not only promote South Asian culture, but to advocate issues on behalf of the South Asian community. Our membership comes from predominantly immigrant families who came to this nation believing in the promise of America – freedom, equal opportunity, and an inclusive society.
While last weekend’s events are disheartening, we remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
INΔ stands in solidarity with the community of Charlottesville as they deal with the aftermath of this horrific violence. We stand in solidarity with minority and marginalized communities across the country as they continue their struggle for justice and equality. We still believe in the part our story plays in the greater American story and the valuable role our community plays in the fabric of the greater American society. And we look forward to working with our fellow Americans to create a more inclusive society for all.
-INΔ National Board
Pictured: Brothers protesting the travel ban in January