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Florida city backs Indian American contributions amid hate speech
Mayor Rob Medina and council members issued an open letter promoting inclusion after Councilman Chandler Langevin’s post targeting Indian immigrants sparked widespread condemnation.
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Anushka Pathak - Wed, 01, Oct 2025
- 11:55 EDT
- 29
Top - City of Palm Bay, Florida, logo; Bottom - Palm Bay Councilman Chandler Langevin / Courtesy: City of Palm Bay, Florida ; ‘X’ via @ChandlerForPB
Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina and three City Council members issued an open letter reaffirming the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion following Councilman Chandler Langevin’s controversial social media post criticizing Indian immigrants.
The letter, published on the city’s official website ahead of a special council meeting, stressed that divisive language does not represent Palm Bay’s values.
“Everyone is entitled to their own views, but words that demean or devalue others have no place in the Palm Bay we aspire to be,” Medina wrote. He added that Palm Bay’s strength lies in its multicultural makeup.
“Like the United States of America, Palm Bay has always drawn its strength from the diversity of its people,” the letter stated. “Our community is built on many cultures, backgrounds, and life stories, and it is this richness that makes our city strong and vibrant.”
Also Read: Pope Leo criticizes 'inhuman' treatment of immigrants in US
The controversy began when Langevin, in a Sept. 29 post on X, wrote, “There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States. They are here to exploit us financially and enrich India and Indians. America for Americans.”
There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States.
— Chandler Langevin (@ChandlerForPB) September 28, 2025
They are here to exploit us financially and enrich India and Indians.
America for Americans. https://t.co/pjMd9g0fzm
He followed it up with multiple other posts calling for the deportation of all Indian immigrants and accusing the community of invading America.
The barrage of posts prompted the mayor to call for a special council session on Sept. 30 to address disciplinary measures as residents awaited clarity on next steps. However, due to the absence of council members, the meeting was unable to go forward.
Meanwhile, Langevin has faced calls for removal, with many Indian American community members staging protests locally to denounce his hateful and divisive sentiments.
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