FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Daniel Herrera
August 14, 2017 T: 202-930-6805
WASHINGTON, DC -- The National President of Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) issued the following statement in response to the events in Charlottesville, Virginia this past weekend that resulted in the death of three and dozens of injuries.
"The HNBA condemns the violent acts committed in Charlottesville by white supremacists, and calls for the perpetrators to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, including, where appropriate, federal hate crime and terrorism charges,” said HNBA National President Pedro J. Torres-Díaz. “We welcome the announcement by the Justice Department of an investigation into these lawless acts, and stand ready to assist in any way we can to ensure that justice prevails."
"The events of this past weekend make it clear that our organization’s mission to work for greater diversity, inclusion, and equal protection under the law is as vital today as it was the day of our founding in 1972. As lawyers, we have a moral obligation to speak up when others can’t, and rise in the face of injustice. We have been proud to work hand in hand with other organizations of color in order to advance the principles of justice and equality that we hold dear."
"We cannot defeat hate and bigotry if we pretend it does not exist, or refuse to call it by name, or neglect to take concrete steps to stop it. While the HNBA welcomes the calls of our nation’s leaders denouncing these heinous acts, they must now show the American people the steps they will take to protect all Americans from hateful violence."
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About the Hispanic National Bar Association
The Hispanic National Bar Association is an incorporated, not-for-profit, national membership association that represents the interests of Hispanic attorneys, judges, law professors, legal assistants, law students, and legal professionals in the United States and its territories. Since 1972, the HNBA has acted as a force for positive change within the legal profession by creating opportunities for Hispanic lawyers and by helping generations of lawyers to succeed. For more information, please visit www.hnba.com.
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