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24 Diverse Civil Rights and Faith Groups Call on Major Technology Companies to Refrain From Supporting Bigoted Political Party Conventions

Google, Apple and Microsoft Asked to Take a Stand Against Hate

April 20—Today, Muslim Advocates led a coalition of 24 non-partisan advocacy, faith and civil rights groups to call on major technology companies, who have been vocal about championing diversity, fairness and inclusion, to withdraw from and decline any existing or future sponsorships, including in-kind contributions, to political party conventions where hateful and bigoted rhetoric is highlighted and supported. The letter, signed by African American, Latino, Muslim, Arab, women’s and veterans groups such as National LGBTQ Task Force, Arab American Institute, Feminist Majority Foundation, Military Religious Freedom Foundation, Bend the Arc, Progressive Congress, and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, highlights the important role that leaders in Silicon Valley play in shaping public discourse.

“There is no room for hate and bigotry in our political discourse,” said Madihha Ahussain, Muslim Advocates staff attorney and lead for the Program to Counter Anti-Muslim Hate. “Here in Silicon Valley, companies take pride in standing up for what’s right and creating inclusive environments where diversity is not only respected, but also thrives. That is why it is critical for leaders like Google, Microsoft and Apple to send a powerful message by choosing not to support hateful rhetoric that has become commonplace in this election cycle.”

The letter cites examples of hate violence and vandalism that have been inspired by candidates’ rhetoric, including an incident where a non-denominational chapel at Northwestern University was defaced with racist and anti-gay messages. The vandals invoked the name of a candidate for public office, and targeted African American, Muslim, LGBT and Jewish communities.

“Major technology companies that pride themselves on their efforts to provide good workplaces for women and people of color should not be supporting any political party convention that tolerates such blatant sexism and bigotry,” said Katherine Spillar, executive director of Feminist Majority Foundation.  “I’m reminded of the Susan B. Anthony’s declaration that ‘No self respecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party that ignores her sex.'”

To read the entire letter to Google, click here.

To read the entire letter to Microsoft, click here.

To read the entire letter to Apple, click here.