AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Terrorist Attack at New Zealand Mosques

For Immediate Release
March 15, 2019

Contact:
Oriana Korin
202-374-6103
okorin@aft.org
www.aft.org

AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Terrorist Attack at New Zealand Mosques

WASHINGTON—American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the
following statement after 49 people were killed and 20 were seriously injured in two separate
shootings at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand:

“When terrorism enters our houses of worship, it violates our most sacred covenants of peace,
brother- and sisterhood, and safety. Our hearts break today for the people affected by this horrific
act of violence, for the people of New Zealand and for Muslims everywhere who feel afraid to
practice what they believe.

“Religious diversity is what makes us stronger, not weaker. Tolerance is what gives us humanity, not
cruelty. In the wake of this terrible attack, we call on elected officials to commit themselves to
opposing hate speech and hate violence in every form, and we call on citizens of the world to stand
in solidarity with their Muslim neighbors, co-workers, students and friends. May the memories of
the lives lost in this horrific act be a blessing to all of us.”