By — Matthew Lee, Associated Press Matthew Lee, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-tillerson-condemns-hate-speech-says-bigotry-un-american Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Tillerson condemns hate speech, says bigotry is un-American Politics Aug 18, 2017 11:40 AM EDT WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is condemning hate speech and bigotry as un-American and antithetical to the values the U.S. was founded on and promotes abroad. In his most extensive comments on race and diversity since last weekend’s violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, Tillerson on Friday called racism “evil.” He said freedom of speech is sacrosanct but that those who promote hate poison the public discourse and damage the country they claim to love. Speaking to interns and young minority staffers at the State Department, Tillerson pledged to diversify the overwhelmingly white ranks of the senior diplomatic corps. He also sought to calm fears he might eliminate programs designed to recruit minorities. He said an earlier suspension of the programs was only temporary. WATCH: Does President Trump’s Charlottesville response drive national division? We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Matthew Lee, Associated Press Matthew Lee, Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is condemning hate speech and bigotry as un-American and antithetical to the values the U.S. was founded on and promotes abroad. In his most extensive comments on race and diversity since last weekend’s violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, Tillerson on Friday called racism “evil.” He said freedom of speech is sacrosanct but that those who promote hate poison the public discourse and damage the country they claim to love. Speaking to interns and young minority staffers at the State Department, Tillerson pledged to diversify the overwhelmingly white ranks of the senior diplomatic corps. He also sought to calm fears he might eliminate programs designed to recruit minorities. He said an earlier suspension of the programs was only temporary. WATCH: Does President Trump’s Charlottesville response drive national division? We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now