I was raised by my parents to treat each person as I would want to be treated—with kindness and respect.

Now, more than ever, as a nation, we face a harsh, hateful rhetoric that seeks to divide our country by stirring up fear and distrust. In the face of it, we must hold firm to our belief in human dignity. The need to honor each person’s fundamental worth has never been more urgent or important. People must be free from harassment, threats, and intimidation.

The freedom to love whom we choose is not just a matter of personal privacy, it’s a declaration of our dignity as human beings. It speaks to the core of who we are and how we wish to live: without fear, without shame, and without the threat of violence or discrimination. This right to love and live authentically is central to our dignity. It is not just an issue for any given group, it is an issue for everyone.

Donald Trump and his unelected collaborators will continue to push the boundaries of Presidential power toward one man rule, tightening control over the lives of Americans and those seeking a better life within our borders. At this crucial moment, it is essential for our elected leaders to be vigilant — scrutinizing, analyzing, speaking out, and taking swift action when necessary to protect the privacy and rights of all Delawareans. We cannot afford to allow federal pronouncements to encroach upon and destroy the personal freedoms that define us as a society.

Foremost in our attention must be the safety and security of our schools, our churches, and our hospitals. We must ensure that our youngest generation feels safe and empowered to walk their own path, free from hate and fear.

The fight for human dignity is the fight for our collective humanity.