Official statement from Rainbow PUSH and Jesse L. Jackson in its entirety:
“The Rainbow PUSH Coalition unequivocally denies Tommy Bennett’s false claims of harassment, retaliation and discrimination.
“The Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. unequivocally deny Tommy Bennett’s false claims of harassment, retaliation and discrimination. We are fully cooperating with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations and expect to be fully exonerated.
“The organization does not condone or tolerate discrimination in any form. Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition stands on their record of advocating for equality and human rights for all people — from standing up to affirm the humanity of persons with HIV/AIDS and advocating for HIV/AIDS education and research, to supporting marriage equality and the abolition of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy of the U.S. military.
“His inflammatory allegations are an attempt to malign Rev. Jackson and the organization, and are hurtful and harmful to the progressive community.
“Rainbow PUSH and Rev. Jackson will have no further comment while the matter is pending before the Commission.”
