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info@ourtasc.org

Subject

OPPOSITION TO SENATE RESOLUTION 384 (SR 384) – SAY NO TO RACIAL AND RELIGIOUS DIVISIVENESS IN PENNSYLVANIA

October 16, 2026

The Honorable Members of the Pennsylvania State Senate
Rules and Executive Nominations Committee
Pennsylvania State Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

RE: OPPOSITION TO SENATE RESOLUTION 384 (SR 384) – SAY NO TO RACIAL AND RELIGIOUS DIVISIVENESS IN PENNSYLVANIA

Dear Honorable Senators and Members of the Committee:

The Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC), representing Turkish and Turkic American communities nationwide since 2014, respectfully urges the Pennsylvania State Senate to oppose Senate Resolution 384 (SR 384).

SR 384 promotes a one-sided historical narrative concerning events that occurred in the Ottoman Empire more than a century ago. The resolution disregards the perspectives of Turkish Americans and risks fostering prejudice, discrimination, and hostility toward Turkish American and Muslim American students, families, and communities throughout Pennsylvania.

TASC firmly believes that historical tragedies must be approached with fairness, intellectual honesty, and respect for all victims. The suffering experienced by Ottoman Armenians during World War I was tragic, as was the suffering and displacement of Ottoman Muslims and other communities during the same period. A responsible historical discussion should acknowledge the broader human tragedy rather than promote ethnic division.

Our opposition is based on five principal concerns:

1. Historical Accuracy and Fairness

SR 384 presents a politically contested historical interpretation without adequately acknowledging differing perspectives or the broader circumstances surrounding the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Legislative bodies should encourage historical scholarship, open discussion, and reconciliation rather than substitute political declarations for historical inquiry.

2. Freedom of Expression and Academic Debate

The United States has a longstanding constitutional commitment to freedom of expression and intellectual inquiry. The European Court of Human Rights, in Perinçek v. Switzerland (2015), emphasized the importance of freedom of expression in discussions concerning the characterization of the events of 1915. Although the Court did not determine whether those events constituted genocide, its judgment underscores the importance of protecting historical debate.

3. Protection of Turkish American Communities

Turkish Americans are an integral part of Pennsylvania’s diverse society. They contribute to its economy, educational institutions, cultural life, and civic organizations.

Resolutions that present a one-sided historical narrative without recognizing the concerns of Turkish Americans risk encouraging ethnic stereotyping, social exclusion, and hostility toward members of our community.

No American should face prejudice or discrimination because of their ancestry, national origin, religion, or interpretation of historical events.

4. Respect for International Relations and Reconciliation

Türkiye and Armenia have pursued diplomatic engagement and normalization efforts aimed at improving bilateral relations.

The Pennsylvania State Senate should support dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful reconciliation between Turkish and Armenian communities rather than adopt measures that may deepen historical grievances and social divisions.

Constructive engagement serves the interests of both communities and advances the broader values of peace and cooperation.

5. Responsible Legislative Policy

State legislative resolutions should promote unity, equality, and respect among the diverse communities they represent.

SR 384 risks transforming a sensitive historical issue into a source of contemporary ethnic and religious tension. The Pennsylvania legislature should carefully consider the potential consequences for Turkish American residents, particularly young people who may encounter hostility or discrimination arising from politically charged historical accusations.

OUR REQUEST

The Turkish American National Steering Committee respectfully requests that the Pennsylvania State Senate:

1. Oppose Senate Resolution 384 and refrain from adopting its current language.
2. Recognize the concerns and perspectives of Turkish American constituents.
3. Encourage constructive dialogue between Turkish and Armenian American communities.
4. Promote historical understanding, mutual respect, and reconciliation without prejudice or discrimination.

Pennsylvania has a proud tradition of religious liberty, diversity, and respect for individual rights. These principles should guide the Senate’s consideration of this resolution.

We respectfully urge the members of the Pennsylvania State Senate to reject SR 384 and instead support initiatives that strengthen understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among all communities.

TASC welcomes the opportunity to provide additional information, submit testimony, or participate in any legislative hearing concerning this resolution.

Thank you for your consideration of our concerns.

Respectfully,