As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, I am acutely aware of acts of xenophobia, intolerance and anti-Semitism. As a citizen and parent, I will continue to act and speak out strongly against those who propagate it.

As a state representative of one of the most diverse districts in the country, it’s my mission to lead us away from such divisiveness and hate and build up communities through tolerance and compassion.

In my work as a state legislator, I have focused on policies and investments to help end hate, bigotry and prejudice. Through education and awareness, the state of Washington is leading the way on creating a more tolerant, inclusive society. Just last year, I was proud to help secure seed funding for the endowed Jaffe Professorship in Jewish History and Holocaust Studies at Western Washington University and capital budget funding for the Holocaust Center for Humanity.

The recent announcement by President-elect Trump to name Steve Bannon as his White House strategic advisor is extremely troubling. By elevating individuals so closely linked to anti-Semitism, racism and sexism, our new leadership risks further damage to our divided nation.

The embrace of individuals who espouse the so-called “alt-right” ideology and demean minorities, immigrants and women furthers hateful rhetoric. Unfortunately, as we have seen throughout history, and up to the present day, it also leads to hateful actions.

Already, we have an advisor to the Trump campaign using the Japanese Internment, a dishonorable stain on America’s history, to justify a registry of Muslims in our country. I am outraged by the suggestion, and strongly oppose it.

I am disappointed in the divisive appointments we’re already seeing from our incoming national leaders and again encourage them to reject hate and bigotry as well as those who espouse it. I will continue to support Washington State and its proud tradition of embracing pluralism and diversity and extending a welcoming and open society to all.

Rep. Tana Senn

D–Mercer Island