[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_single_image image="18764" img_size="large"][vc_column_text]A Statement from Brenda Victoria Castillo, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)
Our entire team at the National Hispanic Media Coalition is deeply saddened and frustrated by the attempted coup, violent riots, and domestic terrorism that took place yesterday in our nation’s capitol. While we mourn the rise of White Supremacy, we are fervent in our pursuit to safeguard the sanctity of our American Democracy.
For four years, President Trump has spewed hate, lies, violence, and disinformation at every turn, including through his Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. This behavior and incitement has gone on practically unchecked. It is no surprise to NHMC, an organization that has spent over a decade combating hate speech and its manifestation into violence, that Trump’s words have provoked and encouraged a real-life violent event against the United States of America.
Social Media platforms have enabled the spread of White Supremacy and dangerous conspiracy theories under the guise of responsible content moderation for far too long. As we have learned time and again, temporary suspensions and downranking of repeat offenders, like President Trump, are not sufficient nor appropriate given the gravity of the issue at hand. It is more than time for social media platforms to permanently revoke his account, and do their part to defend our democracy against domestic terrorism. It is time for social media companies to cease the use of their platforms as vehicles for organized hate and call-to-arms events.
NHMC, along with the rest of the Nation, watched yesterday’s events unfold in terrified awe. Hate and racism has a chokehold on our democracy, and securing a peaceful transition of power, free from the viral spread of dangerous conspiracy theories from the sitting President, is the very first step in the long battle for justice and healing ahead. NHMC is committed to continuing our mission of eliminating hate, racism, and safeguarding our democracy.
Yours in the Movement,
Brenda Victoria Castillo
President & CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_facebook][vc_tweetmeme][/vc_column][/vc_row]