June 4, 2010, Washington DC: The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) strongly condemns South Carolina State Senator Jake Knotts' racial slur against South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley. Sen. Knotts referred to Haley who is of Indian origin as a "raghead" during an online political talk show 'Pub Politics' on Thursday. He said, "We already got one raghead in the White House we don't need a raghead in the governor's mansion." He later said that his comments were meant in jest.
USINPAC Chairman, Sanjay Puri said, "These are very challenging times for the United States. The country is concerned about economic and physical security. In this volatile environment political leaders have to be careful in choosing their words. Post 9/11 we have seen violence against different ethnic groups due to ignorance and intolerance. To use a racial slur against the President and a fellow State Senator is offensive and unbecoming of the Senator. The country needs to hear about solutions and harmony not fear and hate from its leaders."
The slur Sen. Knotts used has frequently been used against Arabs and other ethnic groups who wear turbans or headdresses.
