American Jewish Committee New Jersey Chapter Applauds Removal Of Poet Laureate

7/3/2003

From: American Jewish Committee, 973-379-7844

MILLBURN, N.J., July 3 -- Ilene and Bob Cowen, co-presidents of the Metropolitan Chapter of The American Jewish Committee and Norm Agin, president of the Central Center of The American Jewish Committee applaud New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, and both houses of the New Jersey Legislature, for abolishing the post of poet laureate in order to remove Amiri Baraka from that position, when he would not resign.

A state's poet laureate should inspire its people to understand the power and beauty of poetry. Baraka, on the other hand, has a long history of using his art to promote hatred. ("Another bad poem cracking steel knuckles in a jewlady's mouth," he penned in 1969.) After he was appointed to this position he wrote "Someone Blew Up America," claiming that "4,000 Israeli workers at the Twin Towers (were told) to stay home" on September 11.

A state's institutions should be used to fight bigotry, not promote it. The governor and legislature correctly remedied the situation. Baraka alleges that his First Amendment rights have been abridged by his removal. He has it backwards. He is still free to spread whatever hatred he wants. It is the citizens of New Jersey who have the right -- now finally affirmed -- not to be represented in any capacity by a bigot.

The American Jewish Committee, founded in 1906, is an internationally respected human relations organization dedicated to protecting the rights and freedoms of Jews throughout the world, working for the security of Israel and a deepened understanding between Americans and Israelis. Through research, advocacy and programming AJC defends democratic values and seeks their realization in American public policy, fights all forms of bigotry, supports human and civil rights, promotes pluralism and intergroup understanding.

Allyson M. Gall is New Jersey Area Executive Director and Ferne Hassan and Susan Shapiro are Assistant Directors. For additional information about The American Jewish Committee contact the New Jersey office at 973-379-7844 or newjersey@ajc.org