To the editor:

We, members of the New Ulm Human Rights Commission, would like to formally respond to a letter received by one of our long time New Ulm residents. The specifics of this unsigned letter are unable to be reprinted here due to the content, but suffice it to say it was peppered with racial and ethnic slurs, calls for this resident to “go back where she came from,” as well as misogynistic and homophobic insults. We say this:

To those in our community who may feel threatened or hurt by such an action — know this is a small voice greatly outnumbered by those who are glad you have chosen New Ulm as your home. This is your town too and you are welcome here. We support you. We hold you up. We are your neighbors.

To those of you sickened by this action — please don’t be silent. Let your voices be heard. Be visible. Write letters of support. Call out racism, homophobia, misogyny, or any other disparaging comments or actions when you see or hear them. Support your friends, coworkers, and neighbors who may not have lived here for generations or may look or speak differently than you. Racism, sexism, misogyny, homophobia, and the like, are learned behaviors. We need to work at not teaching them or showing acceptance through our silence. Perhaps our next generation will be kinder and more accepting as a result. And our community will be even stronger. New Ulm is better than this.

Dan Kalk

Wendi Ringhofer

Tim Frenning

Larry Czer

Chad Gentz

Sue Hunstad

Pastor Diane Hatman

Jackie Krehbiel

Deanna Fenske