Dear President-elect Donald Trump,

You owe an apology to the American people.

Your divisive rhetoric that had been so pervasive throughout your campaign for the White House has left communities fearing for their lives. You rhetoric has left communities of people in our country at war with each other. Your rhetoric has left communities lashing out in defensiveness.

On January 20th, 2017 you will be taking the most powerful position in our country -- the president of the United States of America. In your acceptance speech you spoke of unity. Now, it is your obligation to take the first step in unification and bridge the gap that divides us. Your apology and reassurance to all individuals and communities throughout the nation will merely be a stepping stone in unification. Then, can the communities affected by your words begin to move forward. As one of our country’s preeminent documents The Declaration of Independence strongly states, “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” It is your duty to answer to the will of the people, and it is our will that you begin to heal these tensions through your apology.

I have seen broken hearts and spirits throughout the country because of your willingness to throw out general decency in order to win a campaign. This letter speaks on behalf of myself and all those who have signed with me that no matter what our age, gender, race or sexual orientation may be, we will continue to move forward as a country.

We call for an apology. Only after our expectations have been fulfilled can we continue to move forward with progress and work together for a greater America. An apology is only the first step. As the president of the United States of America you are accountable for your actions, and your actions must answer to the will of the people. Your actions in the most influential role in our country must protect the rights of all individuals regardless of race, gender, religion, or origin. We implore you to help the people of this country move forward

Sincerely,