State Rep. Campbell condemns KKK, calls for collective unity and comprehensive hate crimes legislation

INDIANAPOLIS – State Representative Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) joined the West Lafayette and Greater Lafayette communities in condemning recent white nationalist activity in the area. Residents recently reported finding Ku Klux Klan recruiting flyers and propaganda on their doorsteps and door handles. Similar events unfolded in the same area this past January when flyers with white supremacist ideology were circulated in the downtown area.

“The Ku Klux Klan is known as America's leading hate group for a reason: years of racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, religious bigotry and violence,” Campbell said. “I join our community leaders of all backgrounds in unequivocally condemning this ideology. Efforts to try to incite hatred will not work here. The people of this community reject any attempt to spread fear. Hate has no home in this region. Now is the time to show the rest of Indiana our strength through unity. We are all stronger together and we are not afraid.

“This latest example of racism, antisemitism and bigotry is another reminder of the importance of a comprehensive hate crimes bill. Indiana is one of four states that doesn't have one yet. I hope that events taking place last week and in January will encourage the Indiana General Assembly to put aside our differences to make sure all Hoosiers are safe.”

Indiana House Democrats have been calling for comprehensive hate crimes legislation and other measures to mitigate the harmful effects of white supremacist ideology, including a resolution condemning antisemitism from Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis).