Joint Statement Denouncing the Hate and Bigotry Against the Haitian Immigrant Community in Springfield, Ohio
The CUNY Haitian Studies Institute and the Haitian Studies Association forcefully condemn the racist and xenophobic narrative circulating about Haitian immigrants in the Springfield community of Ohio.
We also join voices in sending solidarity to the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio. Nou pa pitimi san gadò!
Along with other US Haitian diasporic institutions and organizations, we demand that the malicious and dangerous lie about Haitian immigrants in Springfield abducting and eating their neighbors’ pets be deleted from all social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter. As Springfield city officials and reputable news outlets have attested, this claim about Haitian immigrants is entirely unfounded. It is part of a long history of inflammatory and anti-immigrant propaganda. This is also a manifestation of a very old pattern that is part of a long history of anti-Haitian rhetoric in the United States, including the stigmatization ofHaitians as spreaders—rather than victims—ofHIV during the early days of the AIDS epidemic. There exist even older narratives of “blood-frenzied”Haitians “moved by savage, atavistic forces”, going back to the U.S. Occupation of Haiti (1915-1934) and the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804).
If we are genuinely seeking to advance a more perfect union and attain our democratic ideals, we must forcefully reject bigoted and hateful views being propagated by politicians and their followers. We cannot traffic in hate and fail to recognize every human being’s dignity. Haitians and other immigrants seeking refuge in the U.S. deserve respect and dignity as fellow human beings.
We appreciate colleagues, friends, and neighbors of all backgrounds who have expressed solidarity with the Haitian immigrant community in the United States. Be reassured that the CUNY Haitian Studies Institute and the Haitian Studies Association will continue to make every effort to combat prejudice and bigotry.With your support, we hope to create opportunities to educate about Haiti, the first Black Republic to advocate the ideals of true universal liberty, equity and equality, and the many contributions of Haitians to the United States and the world.