WASHINGTON – DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), a former vice chair of the DNC who lived in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, released the following joint statement today in response to comments made by Mayor David Bowers of Roanoke, VA:

“Mayor Bowers' comments about Japanese internment do not represent the values of the Democratic Party, and his rhetoric has no place in our party. The cruel and baseless Japanese internment policies enacted during World War II are an ugly stain on our democracy, and should not be used to justify future exclusionary policies. Mayor Bowers should reflect on dark moments like these in our history when the dual crises of war abroad and the perceived threat of terror at home have emboldened dangerous xenophobia in America. 

“We are a nation of immigrants born out of an enduring desire to be free, but it's essential that we avoid repeating the mistakes of our predecessors. As the war against terror continues worldwide, the Democratic Party is firmly committed to recognizing the humanity of refugees and honoring and protecting the liberty, security and diversity of our great nation.”