Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to J. G., January 28, 1997

Congress о! ttjc Unitcti States $шгёс o( iXepreSentatibcs ©Hiisfjington, 2ЭС 20515-2002 January 28, 1997 Dear Thank you for contacting me to express your desire to find ways to fight racism in schools. The incident you described to me, in which the Confederate flag was displayed at Hereford High School, is quite disturbing. Many people, especially African-Americans, equate the Confederate flag with other symbols of oppression, and thus might be offended by the flag. Unfortunately, certain racist and neo-Nazi groups have brandished the Confederate flag and the swastika side- by-side at public gatherings in recent years. The Confederate flag must be view in its proper context — as the symbol of a period in American history. Those who use it to advance racist views or attitudes deserve our pity. With respect to the incident at Hereford High School, I would encourage your friend to contact the appropriate authorities at the school if this has not already been done. You asked me what society can do to prevent racist incidents from happening. As you know, the Constitution gives Americans of all views -- no matter how objectionable those views may be — the right to express themselves. While we can toughen penalties for race-related violence, the only was to cure people of racist views is by education. Bigotry — whether directed towards people of different races or religions — must first be cured in the human heart. It cannot be completely wiped away by statute or governmental action. Thanks for contacting me regarding this matter. Please contact me again if 1 may be of assistance to you in the future. Sincerely,