An Ohio town at the middle of a political uproar over Haitian migrants canceled its annual celebration of cultural diversity on Monday, responding to days of threats of violence that led to high school and government office closures.
Springfield’s two-day cultural festival, which focuses on diversity, arts and culture, was scheduled to start on September 27, but has been canceled “in light of recent threats and safety concerns,” the town said.
“We deeply regret having to cancel CultureFest as we know it is a beloved event for our community,” City Manager Bryan Heck said in an announcement. “However, the safety of our residents and visitors must come first.”
Springfield has been the main focus of much attention in recent days after former President Donald Trump, his running mate JD Vance and the Republican presidential campaign amplified debunked claims that Haitian immigrants were eating pets and waterfowl.
Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine has dismissed the false rumors and said there isn’t a evidence to support them. DeWine planned to carry a press conference in Springfield on Monday.
President Joe Biden, speaking on the National HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia on Monday, addressed the situation in Springfield, condemning what he called “lies and hate.”
“This is wrong. This is simply wrong. And it has to stop,” he said.
Two Springfield colleges held classes virtually on Monday. Wittenberg University said it received two threats over the weekend, “both directed at members of the Haitian community.”
Clark State College said operations can be virtual through Friday “due to recent events in Springfield.”
Springfield City Hall, several schools and the state Department of Motor Vehicles office in Springfield needed to be evacuated last week after bomb threats.
Thousands of Haitian immigrants have settled within the predominantly white, blue-collar city of about 60,000 people lately, about 70 kilometers from the state capital of Columbus. They have found work in factories and warehouses where there have been previously few vacancies. The sudden influx has overwhelmed schools, health facilities and municipal services and driven up housing costs.
