WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights today joined with 133 other civil rights organizations representing millions of people to release an open letter titled “Our Rights Are at Stake. We Will Not Be Silenced.”

“In America, our government cannot do whatever it wants. And we, the people, have a right to ask for what we need, defend ourselves from abuse, and speak our minds,” the open letter states. “The Trump administration is intentionally attacking any business; law firm; college, university, or school; and organization or government watchdog that disagrees with its policies or challenges its abuses and corruption.”

“Throughout our history, we the people demanded that our government serve us and not slam us. Americans know that the government can’t tell us what we can say or think and that it can’t grab power not given to it, especially when that power grab is designed to deny us our rights and freedoms,” said Maya Wiley, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “Once again, we must unite and speak out. The civil rights community is unified and fighting back as we watch this administration threaten law firms that provide free legal assistance to groups like ours, journalists who share facts and ask questions, colleges and universities that teach and protect debate, and businesses that want to ensure they are diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We will not back down from the rights of our unions, students, and community organizing to peacefully demand action on issues of the day and worker dignity. We cannot and will not bend at the knee. Our message is direct and urgent: We are civil rights organizations representing millions of Americans, and we are sounding the alarm. What we’re seeing now is just the beginning. While we will still go to court, demand the government be accountable, and speak out about facts and freedoms, we know that what will save our rights and freedoms and protect all people’s rights, is us. It is only up to us and we will not be silenced.”

The letter invites people to take a pledge to defend our rights and freedoms by taking specific actions, including speaking up, attending protests, contacting elected officials, supporting civil rights organizations, and sharing information about these threats.

The open letter is available online here, and the pledge can be signed here.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 240 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.