October 28, 2020
Below please find a press release that was recently sent to the media regarding the image posted on the SVO website yesterday. In the release you will note a press conference scheduled for tomorrow. Due to concerns around COVID, we ask that members do not attend this press conference. We will provide the video from the press conference shortly after the event concludes.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Madison Nguyen, Executive Vice President, madisonn@thesvo.com, (408) 398-9588
An image was recently posted on The SVO website that was blatantly racist, completely inappropriate and unacceptable. We are horrified by this image as it does not represent the values of the organization, the leadership, the Board of Directors or our members. For that, we apologize. There is no excuse. The Board of Directors is moving quickly and effectively to understand how this could have occurred, and to ensure it never happens again. We understand that swift, effective action is required so that the other positive work and community support of the SVO is not impacted.
Effective immediately:
The Board of Directors believes in San Jose and its citizens, and these initial steps are the first of many that are needed to ensure The SVO reflects the values of equality and inclusion we all share.
The SVO will hold a press conference on Thursday, October 29th at 10am.
The SVO Executive Committee of the Board of Directors