June 18, 2015

Our hearts go out to the people of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and to the families and friends of the nine victims who were killed as they studied the Bible and prayed together. No religious community – no community—should ever have to bear the pain of having their sacred space invaded by hatred and violence. Our sacred places—be they church, temple, Gurdwara, synagogue, meditation hall or mosque—should be places of sanctuary and peace.

We grieve again for victims of the racism and prejudice that continue to distort our nation. SiVIC reaffirms its commitment to building a more just and compassionate society, and pledges to work together with the local African American community and religious communities to stand against violence and hatred and to celebrate the richness and strength that diversity brings to all of us in Silicon Valley.