Racist Easter egg fliers prompt condemnation

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – Officials in the city of Idaho Falls have issued a statement saying discriminatory practices are unwelcome in the region after Aryan Nations recruitment fliers were placed with candy inside Easter eggs and left on lawns last week.

The Mayor’s Race Relations Ambassador Committee issued the statement Friday at a news conference. It was read by Roberta Jordan, president of the committee.

“The ambassadors, the mayor and the City Council are taking a strong stance of zero tolerance for the practice of hatred, harassment and discrimination,” said Jordan. “Our citizens will be treated with respect (and) dignity in a safe and intimidation-free environment.”

Idaho Falls Mayor Jared Fuhriman said the entire community was troubled by the Easter egg recruitment fliers.

“It was quite disconcerting and disturbing to see that happen,” he said. “Someone outside our community decided to come in and spread hatred. We will not tolerate this at all.”

Paul Mullet, who said the Easter eggs were distributed as part of the group’s national recruitment campaign.

The fliers also had contact numbers.

Sheila Olsen, a member of the Idaho Commission on Human Rights, said the commission supports the local race relations committee.

“Certainly, the Aryan Nations is persona non grata in Idaho and Idaho Falls,” Olsen said.