Woodhull Apology & Corrected Statement Regarding PULSE Tragedy
June 13, 2016
Woodhull Freedom Foundation published yesterday a statement condemning the homophobic attack in Orlando. We regret that our initial statement unintentionally spurred exactly the Islamophobia we reject by using phrases like “radical jihad,” which was inaccurate, and offensive to many.
The statement has been revised so that it more accurately reflects Woodhull’s intentions. For example, the revised statement talks about mass violence instead of terrorism, removes inflammatory language like radical jihad and places the focus more squarely on the homophobia that is, indisputably, at the root of this hate crime. We thank those who drew our attention to the problem.
At Woodhull Freedom Foundation we understand that none of us can be free until all of us are free, and that includes the many Muslim members of our wide-ranging communities. There is no place for Islamophobia at Woodhull, and we apologize for yesterday’s language.
Updated statement from Lawrence G. Walters, Esq., General Counsel for Woodhull Freedom Foundation:
The Woodhull Freedom Foundation strongly condemns the cowardly attack at the Pulse night club in Orlando, Florida, and expresses sincere condolences to the victims and their families. The mass killing of unarmed patrons is a hate crime against the LGBT community. As a longtime resident of the Orlando area, I have no doubt that we will mourn, bounce back, and squarely confront the threats posed by homophobia, hatred, and violence. We have a large, supportive LGBT community in Orlando. This event should cause us all to redouble efforts to combat anti-gay hate crimes and mass violence, while at the same time standing in solidarity with the many Muslim members of our communities who are unjustly targeted by Islamophobic stereotyping, racism, and hatred.
If you are moved to help in some way, please use the resources below.
Victims fund
https://www.gofundme.com/
For other ways to help
www.eqfl.org/news/pulse — Additional response resourcese