Washington, DC – The following is a statement from Scott Simpson, public advocacy director of Muslim Advocates and former AmeriCorps Member, in response to external affairs director at the Corporation for National and Community Service, Carl Higbie’s explicit and bigoted rants against American Muslims, African Americans, women, LGBTQ people, veterans suffering from PTSD, and immigrants. CNCS oversees national service programs, including AmeriCorps. Upon the release of these recordings, Higbie resigned from his position.

“Even in an administration known for its bigotry and offensive language against minority communities, these rants are especially shocking.  We refuse to quote the language that Higbie used to describe American Muslims, African Americans, women, LGBTQ people, veterans, and immigrants and any attempt to paraphrase would only serve to hide the vileness of Higbie’s words.

Sadly, all of these same communities are also being attacked by the current administration’s policies. The consequences of this rhetoric are real. Hate crimes have skyrocketed under Trump’s presidency, mosques have been burned and bombed, and people have been discriminated against and attacked in the streets.

We must remain united as a nation in our rejection of these policies, these officials, and these comments. America is at its best when it finds its strength in its diversity.”

Muslim Advocates is a national legal advocacy and educational organization that works on the frontlines of civil rights to guarantee freedom and justice for Americans of all faiths.

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