Speak Out Against Hate Stands With Our Sussex County Community

In response to the recent advertisements in the Cape Gazette by Sussex Help, highlighting the plight of many residents of Sussex County, it is important to reaffirm that Speak Out Against Hate (SOAH) stands in support of all our neighbors.

Speak Out Against Hate does not condone, endorse, or support any policy, action, or rhetoric that strips individuals of their basic human or constitutional rights. We remain firmly committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all people, with particular attention to those most vulnerable—including immigrant communities, older adults, children, and women.

Upholding Core American Values

Speak Out Against Hate is dedicated to protecting core American values and the dignity, safety, and well-being of individuals and communities most vulnerable to hate, bias, discrimination, and violence. Guided by our mission, SOAH works to dispel hate in all its forms.

SOAH affirms that every person deserves to live free from fear, harm, and exclusion. At their core, American values call us to embrace liberty, reject hate, protect human dignity, and stand together in defense of justice, inclusion, and democracy.

A Moment That Calls for Moral Clarity

In recent months, we have witnessed a troubling rise in hate-fueled actions and policy proposals targeting individuals and communities who are least able to protect themselves. Silence in the face of this moment is not neutrality—it is complicity.

SOAH unequivocally condemns all acts of hate. We call on legislators, institutions, faith leaders, and community leaders to reject fear-based narratives, uphold civil and human rights, and speak out—clearly, publicly, and without hesitation—against hate.

Standing With Vulnerable Communities

SOAH recognizes a moral imperative to speak out on behalf of all populations—including, but not limited to, people targeted because of:

• Race

• Ethnicity

• Religion

• National origin

• Immigration status

• Disability

• Sexual orientation

• Gender identity or expression

• Age

• Socioeconomic status

  
  

These communities are often disproportionately impacted by hate, harassment, and systemic inequities. We acknowledge the historical and ongoing injustices they have faced and commit to standing in solidarity with them.

Our Commitments

To advance these principles, Speak Out Against Hate commits to:

• Creating and maintaining safe, inclusive, and respectful environments in all SOAH-sponsored programs, events, and communications

• Centering the voices and lived experiences of impacted communities

• Employing culturally responsive and equity-based practices

• Actively educating against hate, bias, and discrimination whenever and wherever they occur

• Advocating for policies and practices that protect human rights and promote justice
  

Zero Tolerance for Hate

SOAH maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination, or hateful conduct. All board members, staff, volunteers, partners, and participants are expected to uphold these values and contribute to environments rooted in respect and accountability.

Any behavior that undermines the safety or dignity of any population will be addressed promptly and appropriately.

This policy reflects SOAH’s ongoing commitment to moral clarity, accountability, and collective responsibility. We will continue to strengthen our practices to ensure we remain responsive to the needs of the communities we serve and steadfast in our opposition to hate in all its forms.

The SOAH Board of Directors