A statement from the St. Louis Women’s March

As Jews, we have all heard the allegations of an anti-Semitic bias in the D.C. Women’s March. The St. Louis Women’s March planning committee is releasing this statement to clarify our position, so we may move forward to focus on the work that needs to be done, for women of all religions, colors, creeds, sexual identities here at home.

The St. Louis Women’s March is not affiliated with any other March. We do not receive any assistance/funding nor do we have any communications with the D.C. chapter. While we disagree with their actions, we cannot control an organization with which we have no affiliation. 

Our St. Louis story is rooted in our focus of inclusion, our ability to tackle difficult subjects and our commitment to continually learn how we can better support women of all marginalized groups. Our diverse planning committee, including several Jewish members, has taken care to expand upon the Women’s March themes to focus on the real issues that affect our communities and to be inclusive and intersectional. We do not support any group being oppressed or discriminated against. Period. 

Unfortunately, because of controversy surrounding the D.C. March, local marches are being painted with a broad brush and people will boycott marches in other cities. Women on planning committees across this country give their time and money to organize these marches. There is much work to be done here in St. Louis and as long as we can use this voice to inspire action, we will. We are dedicated to honoring what connects us and respecting what divides us, as we work towards dismantling those barriers. We will continue to organize a St. Louis march that is inclusive of all women and that aims to expand upon the inspiration of the day by turning inspiration into action. 

Lauren Kohn Davis, St. Louis