August 15, 2019

President Wiewel Joins Business and Civic Leaders Standing Against Hate, Violence

President Wiewel joined with a coalition assembled by Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler ahead of the planned Aug. 17 “alt-right” rally in downtown Portland.

President Wim Wiewel joined with a coalition assembled by Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler ahead of the planned Aug. 17 “alt-right” rally in downtown Portland. 

The coalition of business, education, faith, and civic leaders stood behind Mayor Wheeler on the steps of Pioneer Courthouse Square, which is lovingly known as “Portland’s Living Room.”

“When Mayor Wheeler called us and asked us to participate, we immediately said yes,” Wiewel said. “As a proud and integral part of Portland, we unequivocally condemn the bigotry and violence that has cast its shadow over our nation’s political life.”

In addition to Mayor Wheeler, speakers included elected leaders like Oregon State Representative Janelle Bynum, business voices like Andrew Hoan of the Portland Business Alliance, labor leaders like Felisa Hagins of SEIU, civil-rights leaders like former State Senator Avel Gordly, and faith leaders like Rabbi Deborah Kolodny, who leads Portland United Against Hate, an initiative with which Lewis & Clark’s Graduate School of Education and Counseling is involved.