Pai had come down heavily on activists who protested outside his house saying they crossed the line.
Indian American advocacy organization Indiaspora condemned the attacks targeting Ajit Pai, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), for his decision to roll back the net neutrality rules.
“While policies regarding net neutrality are understandably contentious and politically charged, we are saddened by these events, and would like to denounce such attacks that are personal in nature,” Indiaspora said in a blog.
“We support advancing our nations’ agendas in a respectful and tolerant manner, regardless of political or religious affiliation. We hope that we can come together in mutual respect when discussing any issue, especially one that affects our communities,” it added.
Pai has been facing severe criticism after he announced that FCC was considering changing the net neutrality rules enacted by the Obama administration.
Several activists and lawmakers including Indian Americans have raised their voice against the decision.
Activists had stages protests in front of his house and his family was threatened with signs, mentioning his children, posted at his place of residence. He was also subjected to racial abuse on social media.
“Irrespective of your political leanings, behavior, and threats against individuals for their actions are unacceptable. We should have zero tolerance for hate and xenophobia whether it’s directed from the left or right,” said Indiaspora member and political activist and leader Shekar Narasimhan. “It’s un-American and against all the tenets of our great religions.”
Indiapsora said it recognizes Pai for his service to the Indian American community, including his mentorship to the Washington Leadership Program, a nonprofit which supports emerging South Asian leaders in public service.
“From his time as a member of the FCC as a Commissioner and now Chairman, he has always made time to meet and talk to our students about his journey as a child of immigrants navigating the world of policy and politics,” said Harin Contractor, WLP Chair and Executive Board member.
“Personal racist and vulgar attacks against Chairman Pai and his family should be condemned just as we condemned racist attacks against Congressman Bera and Congressman Khanna. We appreciate Chairman Pai’s support of our mission, our students, and his willingness to engage in open and candid dialogue on policy disagreements with our students,” he added.
Pai had come down heavily on activists who protested outside his house saying they crossed the line.
“It certainly crosses a line with me,” Pai said last week. “Families … should remain out of it and stop harassing us at our homes. … It was a little nerve-racking, especially for my wife who’s not involved in this space,” he added.