People of Color and Indigenous Caucus
PRESS RELEASE
POCI Caucus Statement on Right-Wing Backlash Against Immigrants in St. Cloud
St. Paul, MN – Minnesota’s People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus today released the following statement in response to yesterday’s New York Times article that found pervasive Islamophobia and racism in St. Cloud and central Minnesota:
"Yesterday's coverage from the New York Times shined a light on persistent bigotry, intolerance, and fear mongering against our neighbors. The statements from St. Cloud elected officials and those who claim to be community leaders demonstrate a complete lack of knowledge of the many contributions immigrants - from Somalia to Norway - make to our state, and must not be tolerated.
"The POCI caucus is resolved to continue our work to root out hate and to create a more inclusive Minnesota - because we know that all Minnesotans contribute to the prosperity and success of our communities."
The article included a quote from Kim Crockett, vice president and general counsel of a conservative think tank, saying, "These people aren't coming from Norway, let's put it that way. These people are very visible."