Solidarity with the left under attack in Portland

February 4, 2019

In response to recent far-right attacks on the left in Portland, Oregon, United Against Racism and Fascism-NYC (UARF-NYC) — a coalition that aims to build a broad and diverse movement to counter the fascists — issued this solidarity statement.

UNITED AGAINST Racism and Fascism-NYC (UARF-NYC) stands in firm solidarity with socialists and activists of Portland, Oregon, facing harassment and intimidation from a collection of far-right and fascist groups.

Events by both the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) at Portland Community College and International Socialist Organization (ISO) at Portland State University were canceled by school administrations when threatened by the far right.

Such a response baldly concedes to the far right and must be denounced by anti-fascists everywhere. Universities are supposed to be bastions of free speech and open discussion, yet in both cases, threats from the far right caused that ideal to crumble. We find both university administrations’ responses both shocking and cowardly.

Protesters confront the far right in Portland, Oregon

The far right is also behind the vandalization of the Industrial Workers of the World’s (IWW) offices in Portland.

UARF-NYC stands with all three groups, and are encouraged by the response by each group and the Portland community. Many of us closely follow the struggles in Portland, likely the center of the far right’s activities nationally. Our side’s victories and setbacks matter for anti-fascists far beyond Oregon. An injury to one is an injury to all!

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