Walz, Noseworthy sign letter encouraging tolerance toward Muslims
Congressman Tim Walz and Mayo Clinic CEO John Noseworthy joined leaders in business, politics and education on Monday in denouncing intolerance toward Minnesota's Muslim community.
The message came in the form of a full-page ad published in the Star Tribune:
Bigotry is #UnMinnesotan. It’s wrong. It’s that simple. pic.twitter.com/HeQCISfSYl
— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) February 1, 2016
"Though we may be a soft-spoken bunch, we know better than to be silent or still in the face of bigotry shown to Muslims," says the ad. It includes the hashtag, #UnMinnesotan, to encourage others to speak out on social media.
The ad was released as voters in Iowa began caucusing for presidential candidates. The Republican front-runner, Donald Trump, has made repeated derogatory comments toward Muslims, even saying they should be barred from entering the country.
The Star Tribune says the idea was developed by U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, a Democrat who happens to be the first Muslim ever elected to Congress, and John Taft, a self-identified Republican and CEO of RBC Wealth Management.
Others who signed their names on the ad include: Gov. Mark Dayton, Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, Best Buy CEO Hubert Joly and University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler.
"I was pleased to join other Minnesota civic and industry leaders in this important statement about the values we stand for here in Minnesota," Noseworthy said in a statement.
"Mayo Clinic, from its very beginnings, has been a strong voice for tolerance, understanding and inclusion, both in our work with patients and in the community. We want every Minnesotan, as well as those who visit us, to know that they are welcome here and have our support."
A sample of social media posts using #UnMinnesotan can be found here.
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(Cover photos: Walz and Noseworthy)
