COLUMBUS, Ind.–The white supremacist group, The Traditionalist Worker Party, held a meeting in Bartholomew County this past weekend. On Tuesday, Mayor Jim Lienhoop issued a “statement of values” regarding the event.
The mayor said, “While it is no doubt upsetting to know this event took place, it is important to understand that this group has the right to peacefully assemble to exercise its right to free speech. It is equally important to denounce this group: the city of Columbus does not support the racist ideology upon which this group was founded. Our city welcomes everyone and is proud to be home to persons of all faiths, races, ancestry, and backgrounds, some from different nations, who bring with them a rich culture and diversity that benefits us all.“
