Unwelcoming Hate in Northern IL/IN

Hello M3A Families,

It is with high vigilance that our coaching staff have been observing a rise in hate speech as well as racially and spiritually motivated acts of violence in our region of the Midwest. Earlier this week, like many of you, our coaching staff were made aware of a large campaign by the White Knights of the KKK across northern Indiana which intended to intimidate and silence vulnerable communities. We want to in the most explicit way possible condemn the revolting and inhuman acts of the KKK, those who support them, and those who provide them a hood to hide behind.

We hope to reiterate to you all in no uncertain terms that the coaching staff will never welcome, ignore, or be passive to any kind of discrimination, intimidation, or harassment. Hate is not only unwelcome in our community, but confronted, addressed, and stomped out. Both actions and rhetoric which are intended to physically harm or strip the dignity of others due to their race, religion, gender, national origin, ability, sexual identity/orientation, etc. are acts which will be addressed swiftly and seriously.

With a national rise in both KKK and Nazi-affiliated hate groups mobilizing as well as the rolling back of civil rights protections in select states the coaching staff are carefully evaluating how we will be participating in competitions outside of Chicagoland in the coming months. We are also aware of the inherent risks that traveling to other states may currently pose for many in our membership and equally unafraid of our fellow citizens who lack the humanity to be decent.

If you suspect someone that you know may be affiliated with a hate group or witness a hate crime we are relying on you to immediately contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at 1-800-CALL-FBI. If applicable please also immediately contact the coaching staff after contacting law enforcement if any members are in danger.

In Hope of a More Peaceful America,

The Coaching Staff