Open Letter to Gov. DeSantis on Anti-Indian Remarks: Suspend Palm Bay Councilman
The Honorable Ron DeSantis
Office of the Governor
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Dear Governor DeSantis:
Subject: Demand for accountability following Councilman Chandler Langevin’s anti-Indian remarks
On behalf of Hindus for Human Rights, an advocacy organization committed to human dignity, religious freedom, and justice, I write to you with grave concern regarding the recent statements made by Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin, which have sparked profound hurt, fear, and indignation among Indian, Hindu, and South Asian communities in Florida and beyond.
As reported in multiple media outlets, Councilman Langevin posted on social media comments including, among others, “There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States” and a call to “Deport every Indian immediately.” WFTV+3Real Radio 104.1+3WESH+3 Such remarks are not merely ill-advised — they are overtly bigoted, dehumanizing, and dangerous. They violate the basic norms of respect, dignity, and pluralism that any public servant should uphold.
We note that the Palm Bay City Council itself—after extensive public input—voted 4–1 to censure Councilman Langevin and formally requested your office to suspend him under Florida Statute § 112.51 for misfeasance or misconduct. Space Coast Daily+1 This is a clear recognition that his behavior undermines the trust inherent in public office.
In light of the severity of these statements and the harm they cause, Hindus for Human Rights respectfully but urgently demands that your office take the following actions immediately:
Suspend Councilman Langevin pending a full, impartial investigation under applicable Florida statutes (e.g. § 112.51), holding him accountable for misconduct and addressing whether his actions amount to disqualification or removal from office.
Require a detailed public apology — not merely a perfunctory statement — in which Langevin must:
a. Acknowledge the hurt and harm his words have caused to Indian, Hindu, and South Asian communities,
b. Explicitly retract his statements,
c. Commit to corrective actions and learning, and
d. Submit that apology to your office and make it publicly available (e.g. press release, council meeting).Demand a plan of action from Palm Bay and your office to prevent recurrence of such hateful speech by elected officials. The plan should include:
a. Anti-bias / diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) training for all public officials in Palm Bay (and broader Florida municipalities),
b. A mechanism for swift review or complaint resolution when public officials make hate speech or discriminatory comments,
c. Public transparency on disciplinary actions, and
d. Engagement with Indian, Hindu, and South Asian community leaders to rebuild trust.Issue a public statement from your office affirming that such racially targeted, xenophobic speech has no place in Florida’s public life, and that all residents — regardless of origin or religion — deserve dignity and protection under law.
If your office fails to act decisively, it sets a dangerous precedent: legitimizing hate speech by elected officials and normalizing hostility toward minority communities. The Indian and Hindu population in Florida is growing, contributing richly to our state’s economy, culture, education, science, medicine, and civic life. Their protection is not optional — it is imperative.
We intend to publicize this letter widely in Florida and beyond to emphasize the seriousness with which our communities view this matter. We stand ready to collaborate with your staff, the Florida Human Rights Division, and civil society groups on developing recommended policies, training modules, and community engagement.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
Respectfully yours,
Hindus for Human Rights
cc:
Palm Bay City Council
Palm Bay City Attorney
Florida Department of State
Florida Human Rights Division
Media requests: david@hindusforhumanrights.org - HfHR Communications Team