CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Champaign City Council member Davion Williams faced backlash on Friday after changing his Facebook profile picture to a swastika. He defended the symbol, citing its historical use across various cultures to represent positivity, but his explanation was met with widespread criticism. Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen denounced the post, calling it unacceptable, and updated her own cover photo with a message stating, “Hate has no home here.” Williams later apologized to the Jewish community for the incident.

The rest of the Champaign City Council released a statement:

“Today, Council Member Davion Williams posted a swastika on his personal Facebook page and defended his use of the antisemitic symbol. This blatant display and disregard for the values we uphold as a City is unacceptable. His posts and comments were reckless and we strongly condemn them. We refuse to allow his statements to reflect our City organization or our community.

We acknowledge the great pain that so many groups have faced based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, and other protected classes. We understand the fear that rips through a community when a local elected official makes residents feel unsafe with their rhetoric. We are determined to strongly lead and do what we do best for our community by speaking up for our residents who feel they have no voice amid the loud
hateful speech and acts that surround us.

We cannot be silent today! We stand and loudly affirm our commitment to denounce hate at every turn and speak truth and acknowledge the pain of our diverse community members who still suffer due to hate and discrimination. We proudly uphold our City’s strong Human Rights Ordinance which protects the most vulnerable among us.

We stand firm and say loudly to all those who call this wonderfully diverse community home, that the City of Champaign values all of our residents. We are a welcoming community and hate has no home here!”

Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen
Council Member Alicia Beck
Council Member Jamar Brown
Council Member Michael Foellmer
Council Member Matthew Gladney
Council Member Will Kyles
Council Member Vanna Pianfetti
Council Member Kathy Shannon

ORIGINAL STORY: https://chambanatoday.sagacom.com/news/298892-champaign-city-council-member-faces-backlash-posting-swastika-on-facebook/