Congressman Krishnamoorthi Condemns Racism and Hatred

Congressman Krishnamoorthi condemns hate speech and racism in all forms. The Congressman issued two press releases following the reports of Joe Ricketts’ Islamophobic emails and revelations about Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s medical school yearbook page.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi On Islamophobic Joe Ricketts’ Emails: “This Language And These Ideas Are Unacceptable"

February 6, 2019 | Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response to reports on the Islamophobic emails sent by Joe Ricketts:

“I am outraged to read about the Islamophobic emails written by Joe Ricketts. As a country, we need to send the message that this language and these ideas are unacceptable. There are strong forces in our country seeking to divide us and turn communities against one another. We are all Americans, and we all have the constitutional right to practice our religion free of government interference, but our society needs to demand acceptance and respect that go beyond that minimum standard. Muslim-Americans, and all Americans, should be able to live their lives and follow their paths of worship free of hate-filled speech and denunciations. Although the Cubs Organization has already distanced itself from Joe Ricketts' comments, I call on the Chicago Cubs organization to convene a meeting of leading Muslim-Americans in the Chicago area with members of the Ricketts family to engage in a constructive dialogue regarding the importance of religious freedom and respect in America."

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Calls On Virginia Governor Ralph Northam To Resign In Response To Revelation Of Racist Photograph

February 2, 2019 | Press Release

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response to the revelations about Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's yearbook page:

"Bigotry has no place in public or private life in America. Just yesterday, I condemned religious-based discrimination against the Indian and Hindu-American community. Unfortunately, this type of discrimination has become all too common as we face a string of race-based crimes across the country against Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, African-Americans, Latinos, Asian-Americans, LGBTQ people, and other minorities.

In this crucial fight against bigotry, we need leaders who will inspire tolerance, hope, and faith so that our country can successfully defeat its historical demons and the virulent prejudice that continues to hold America back from the full potential it has yet to realize. We need leaders who occupy the moral and ethical high ground to help shape a nation that accepts people of all races, colors, creeds, and backgrounds committed to building a more perfect, more diverse union.

Unfortunately, Governor Ralph Northam can no longer serve as one of those elected leaders. The 1984 photograph from Governor Northam's yearbook is offensive and racist. Governor Northam has apologized for the photograph, but he must now step down and resign from his office to allow Virginia and America to move forward to fully embrace diversity, equality, and acceptance of all Americans.”