(WASHINGTON, July 30, 2010) — Independent Sector denounces the violent threats recently made by a lone gunman, according to Oakland police, against two organizations in the nonprofit and philanthropic community. Thankfully the attack was thwarted, after a shootout with California Highway Patrol Officers, but these organizations now face serious security concerns. Independent Sector categorically rejects any form of intolerance and calls for a recommitment to civil discourse for all citizens, government and the media – a hallmark of a healthy democracy.
We are stronger as a sector and society when we respectfully acknowledge our ideological and substantive differences and seek constructive ways to work together versus slurring, maligning or attacking those with a belief system different from our own. We encourage foundations and nonprofits to join us and publicly uphold freedom of speech with a respect for divergent views.
Independent Sector is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of approximately 550 charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs, collectively representing tens of thousands of charitable groups in every state across the nation. Its mission is to advance the common good by leading, strengthening, and mobilizing the nonprofit and philanthropic community.
