civil-rights-center
The International Civil Rights Center & Museum / chucka_nc

September 25, 2016; The Hill

After speaking at High Point University yesterday, the Trump campaign contacted the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro, North Carolina to set terms for a potential upcoming appearance. Among other things they asked for, the museum would have to be closed to the public for five hours.

Earl Jones, co-founder of the museum, found the campaign staff rude and aggressive and called their approach “disrespectful.” He also felt as though the request might be insincere. Accordingly, he did not accede to their request.

The approach, the type of disrespect, pretty much a demand and bullying us to use the museum in their manner and their way in their time, it was inappropriate and I think it’s probably reflective of the type of insensitivity of civil rights and human rights that’s reflective from Trump over the years.

Jones says the museum does not provide special treatment to anyone. He would deny such latitude to Clinton as well, but both are welcome to the museum as visitors. “We have equal treatment for everyone coming to the museum, and we welcome everyone to the museum, but we are not going to allow the museum to be used for political gain.”

In light of what occurred a few weeks ago at Bethel Union Methodist Church in Flint, this decision by the Civil Rights Center makes a great deal of sense.—Ruth McCambridge