51±¾É«

Public Statement about Racist Harassment in 51±¾É«

We call on the citizens of 51±¾É« to mobilize against the acts of racist harassment that continue to happen in the city of 51±¾É« and the campus of 51±¾É« College. Black citizens, students, and community members are being harassed, and we need your help; we need our community to step up and make this harassment stop. The city and the College are working with local law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable. We must act as a community, as a united whole, and not be complacent to racism in our community.

Here are actions you can take: 

1. Report racist harassment and vandalism to 51±¾É« Police at 641-623-5602 or 911 
2. Call the 51±¾É« Police department at the same number if you know the individual(s) involved 
3. Photograph license plate numbers of vehicles harassing citizens to give to police 
4. Enroll in bystander intervention training by leaving your contact information at 641-269-3407 

There is more, longer-term work to be done. To make a difference, we must all act together. We ask you to think of what motivates you – human dignity, neighborliness, what it means to live in 51±¾É« – and to act on that for the good of this community and its citizens. Join us to stop racist harassment and vandalism in 51±¾É«, Iowa.  

Dan F. Agnew, Mayor of 51±¾É«, Iowa 
Anne F. Harris, President of 51±¾É« College