A statement from Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer:
“A number of people have contacted me in the past week to tell me about incidents of hate speech in our community.”
“I am disheartened to learn that members of our minority and LGBT communities have been the victims of hate speech, harassment and intimidation. These disgraceful actions will not be tolerated in Asheville.”
“Asheville’s people are accepting, open-minded and respectful. As a community, we have an even greater challenge to come together with kindness and compassion for each other.”
“I call on every individual to demonstrate that intolerance and hatred will not be accepted. As Mayor of Asheville, I am dedicated to maintaining Asheville as an equitable and inclusive city where we can acknowledge our differences, and allow everyone to feel safe and respected.”