Posted on the Whitewater Police Department Facebook page:
The police department is actively investigating the distribution of offensive/hate speech contained in plastic bags. The bags were left in various areas around the city on Friday night. Officers are collecting any bags found as they patrol. Anyone with information or surveillance footage identifying those responsible should contact the police department at 262-473-0555 option #4, or submit an anonymous tip at www.p3tips.com. Thank you.
Editor’s note: The following response to the Police Department announcement was received from the Immigrant Support Coalition.
Message from Immigration Support Coalition – Standing Against Hate
To the Whitewater Community,
The Immigration Support Coalition is deeply concerned and disheartened by the recent distribution of hateful messages that have been circulating in Whitewater. We are concerned that these actions could be a result of the negative narratives and misinformation that have been spread about immigrants in Whitewater over time.
For the past year, the Immigration Support Coalition has worked tirelessly to promote unity, respect, and brotherhood within this community. We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, can feel welcome, valued, and safe.
It is troubling to witness how hate and division are being spread, and we must all stand together to ensure that these messages do not define us. We call on every member of the community to support our local police department in finding and holding accountable those responsible for sharing the harmful messages.
We urge everyone to continue fostering an atmosphere of understanding, compassion, and collaboration. The strength of our community lies in our ability to respect one another and work together toward a better future.
Let us not allow fear or hatred to divide us. Together, we can build a city that reflects the true values of community, inclusivity and love.
With solidarity,
Immigration Support Coalition
Editor’s note: The following response to the Police Department announcement was received from Whitewater Unites Lives:
Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL) denounces hate speech of any kind including that distributed around the city recently. WUL is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity. For more information, please contact co-founders Marjorie Stoneman, Rosalinda Martinez, Mary Sue Reutebuch, or Lauren Smith at whitewateruniteslives@gmail.com
