The University Professionals of Illinois at Eastern are calling on U.S. Representative Mary Miller to match or exceed their donation of $1,372.13 to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum after a speech she gave Jan. 5. 

During the speech, Miller said, “If we win a few elections, we’re still going to be losing unless we win the hearts and minds of our children. This is the battle. Hitler was right on one thing. He said, ‘Whoever has the youth has the future.’”

Her comment, made days after the congresswoman was sworn in, attracted attention from all over the United States and led to calls for her resignation that still sit in the replies to her social media postings. 

A petition was formed by the Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus after the speech which has 26,423 signatures calling for her resignation.

The petition states Miller demonstrated “blatant antisemitism” and was disrespectful to Jewish people and all who have died at the hands of Nazis. 

It added that, “a sitting member of Congress who uses Hitler’s obscene methods for indoctrinating children with racism and fascism as a guidepost, igniting hate and violence has no place in Congress.”

Locally, Miller’s remarks were not well received.

University President David Glassman made a statement regarding Miller, who earned a B.S. in Business Management from Eastern, saying the university does not agree with her words: 

“Yesterday’s events in our nation’s capital were deplorable and inexcusable. Our ability as Americans to achieve a brighter future together demands we respect our democracy and the democratic traditions and ideals of our nation. Those are the values on which Eastern Illinois University stands, and which will continue to guide our mission.   

“Further, and in clear support of those values, EIU denounces the words of recently elected regional representative Mary Miller and further condemns any reference to Hitler or his methodologies as a paradigm for American progress.”

Miller later made a statement on the speech:

“Earlier this week, I spoke to a group of mothers about the importance of faith and guarding our youth from destructive influences. I sincerely apologize for any harm my words caused and regret using a reference to one of the most evil dictators in history to illustrate the dangers that outside influences can have on our youth. This dark history should never be repeated, and parents should be proactive to instill what is good, true, right, and noble into their children’s hearts and minds. While some are trying to intentionally twist my words to mean something antithetical to my beliefs, let me be clear: I’m passionately pro-Israel and I will always be a strong advocate and ally of the Jewish community. I’ve been in discussion with Jewish leaders across the country and am grateful to them for their kindness and forthrightness.”

The UPI said they condemn her speech and its contribution to the violence during the insurrection on Jan. 6.

Regarding her apology the groups says they believe her words were sincere.

In a press release from the group, they say, “As educators, we believe in the power of growth within any human being. The core of education is to learn from mistakes so we can start on a better path. But written and spoken apologies alone are not sufficient. There must be concrete actions of reparation for the harm we do in our lives.”

The union said they believe Miller’s constituents will have more faith in her apology if she backs it up with actions and “she demonstrates to us her commitment to end anti-semitism in our country.”

Corryn Brock can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].