In response to violent threats that have closed schools and government offices, the city of Springfield, Ohio has canceled its annual CultureFest celebration of diversity. The decision came amid a political furor over debunked rumors about Haitian migrants eating domestic pets and waterfowl spread by former President Trump, JD Vance, and the Republican presidential campaign.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has denounced the false rumors and announced that resources will be surged to Springfield to help city officials deal with the situation. Dozens of Ohio State Highway Patrol members will be stationed in Springfield schools, and security cameras have been deployed across the city. The threats, which included bomb threats leading to evacuations of government offices and schools, were all deemed hoaxes by DeWine.
The sudden influx of Haitian immigrants to Springfield in recent years has strained city services and driven up housing costs. The predominantly white, blue-collar city of about 60,000 located 45 miles from Columbus has been struggling to accommodate the immigrants who have found work in local factories and warehouses.
President Joe Biden, speaking at the National HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia, condemned the rumors and hate directed at the Haitian community in Springfield, calling for it to stop. Two colleges in Springfield held virtual classes due to threats targeted at the Haitian community. The cancellation of CultureFest, a beloved event for the community, highlights the impact of the political furor and violent threats on the city’s atmosphere of cultural diversity and acceptance.
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