Duluth City Councilors ‘Unequivocally Condemn’ Hate Speech During Monday’s Public Comments

DULUTH, Minn. — Racist and anti-Semitic remarks took taking the Duluth city council off guard Monday night during the public comment period of the council meeting.

 “The Jews are parasites and they’re taking over our country,” said one man who called in.

He went on to say, “Diversity means fear of white people, inclusion means the exclusion of white people, equity means stealing from white people. We may have lost the battle, but we will win.”

“Jews did 9/11. Hail Hitler. N*****, n*****, white power. F*** the Jews. I hope they all get gassed,” said a second caller who identified as Rudy Hess.

Those comments came during three back-to-back virtual call-ins, which is an alternative way to provide public comment to the council, instead of in person at the podium, or by email and mail. The virtual option became available during the pandemic.  To watch the full public comments period, click here.

Each call was eventually stopped by Council President Janet Kennedy’s reminder to the callers that there are rules of civility that speakers must follow.

“At least one, if not two or three, speakers used the virtual option to call in and say some really awful, hateful and vile stuff — specifically targeted at the Jewish community,” said Councilor Arik Forsman. “I’ll tell you those words deeply hurt some of the people in our community last night and I’ve heard from some of them.”

Kennedy and Council Vice President Roz Randorf released a joint statement Tuesday on behalf of the council.

“The Duluth City Council is upset and concerned after the Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 meeting when a handful of callers entered the forum remotely to spread hate, fear, and ignorance.

We believe that hate speech has no place in our city or within our Council Chambers. We unequivocally condemn these comments and will always fight against racism and anti-Semitisim in all its ugly forms.

In 2008, the Duluth City Council adopted a governing policy called the Tools of Civility which promotes the use and adherence to the types of behaviors that will be acceptable when conducting the business of the council. The tools of civility provide increased opportunities for civil discourse leading to positive resolutions for the issues that face our city.

These grounding principles include listening, being inclusive, refraining from gossip, showing respect for each other, seeking common ground, taking responsibility, using constructive language, and repairing damaged relationships.

Moving forward, in an effort to advance racial and social justice, equality and inclusion, the Council will be reviewing its virtual policies to protect our citizen’s right to be heard from those who wish to undermine those efforts.

For more information or support, feel free to contact the City Council at council@duluthmn.gov.”

Meanwhile, as disturbing and worrying episodes of anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim hate take place in America, the FBI director issued a stark warning telling the nation the war in the Middle East could inspire extremists in the U.S. to carry out more attacks against Americans.

It’s all happening against a backdrop of Jewish students fearful on college campuses with vandalism and violent rhetoric raising alarms from law enforcement. Click the video above for that part of the story after watching the local coverage.