PROOF 2.2
Ethics Violation & Targeted Harassment

PROOF: Organized Campaign Used Scripts and False Accusations Against Representatives

Violation: Leadership violated ethical standards by organizing a campaign against minority representatives. The campaign used concealed scripts marked 'DO NOT FORWARD THIS EMAIL,' false accusations of violence, and scheduled social media attacks. This created a climate of fear that silenced other members.
Stakes: Indigenous and Black representatives faced organized attacks using concealed scripts, false accusations of violence, and scheduled social media posts.
Evidence Strength:
5 facts, 1 axioms

The Axioms (The Rules)

1

The DNC Charter requires ethical conduct that 'reflects creditably upon the office.' Primary Source

DNC Charter, p. 1

Rule Summary

Spreading false accusations and organizing harassment campaigns violates ethical standards.

The Offenses (What Happened)

Scripts attacking Indigenous representatives were distributed with concealment instructions: '[if you use this... DO NOT FORWARD THIS EMAIL].'

Evidence: Email from Selina Vickers to Kristin Loken, Aug 17, 2021 Documentary

False claims were spread that an Indigenous Caucus chair was 'dangerous' and 'capable of violence.'

Evidence: Email from Seth Sturm documenting rumors, Sept 17, 2021 Documentary

A social media campaign labeled the Indigenous chair a 'toxic bully' with a 'calendar of posts ready to go.'

Evidence: Shane Assadzandi Facebook Post, Aug 21, 2021 Official Record

Members reported being 'reluctant to speak publicly for fear of retaliation and future harassment.'

Evidence: Emily Clifford Email, Aug 22, 2021 Documentary

The Indigenous chair reported the attacks had 'done real damage' requiring him to defend against accusations of violence.

Evidence: Email from Seth Sturm, Sept 17, 2021 Documentary

The Logical Reasoning

  1. Scripts containing attacks on Indigenous representatives were marked with concealment instructions.
  2. The instructions stated 'DO NOT FORWARD THIS EMAIL.'
  3. False accusations of violence were spread about these same representatives.
  4. A social media campaign with scheduled posts targeted these same individuals.
  5. Both Indigenous and Black leaders reported being targeted.
  6. Members stated they feared retaliation for speaking publicly.
  7. The targeted representatives reported the attacks caused real damage.
  8. Leadership organized a campaign using concealed scripts and false accusations to target minority representatives.

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