The United States is a beautiful mosaic of people. We are women and men, straight and gay, of every race, color, ethnicity, national origin, and religion. We have varying beliefs and live and work together in communities—large and small—urban, suburban, and rural.

The tie that binds us is a common set of values and beliefs, foremost of which is summed up by our national motto: E Pluribus Unum, out of many one.

Pluralism, tolerance and diversity is our national heritage. It's also the source of our strength.

This foundational idea of American life is under attack today. With increasing frequency, public officials, including the President of the United States, are using rhetoric aimed at dividing us based on race, national origin and religion.

This past weekend, the president singled out a long-serving African American congressman for harsh personal criticism and described his district as “a disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess.” The president added that the district—which has many black and brown residents—was a “very dangerous & filthy place” and that “no human being would want to live there.”

In another verbal assault, on four women of color who were recently elected to Congress, the president suggested that the women should “go back where they came from,” despite the fact that three of them were born in the United States and the fourth has been a citizen for nearly two decades.

When the President at a recent rally mentioned the congresswoman who is a naturalized citizen, he stood by as his supporters loudly chanted “send her back.”

The danger presented by such rhetoric cannot be overstated. It is not hyperbole to say that it is dividing the country and eroding the fabric of our society.

These offensive actions by the president and the impact they have on all Americans impose a special duty on the legal profession and provide attorneys with an opportunity to perform an important public service.

Lawyers must speak out against irresponsible conduct. Now, more than ever, our communities need lawyers to show them a better way.

We built the institutions, and wrote the constitutions, that have kept us free for over 200 years. Leadership is our glory and our duty, and we must rise to the present challenge.

Our communities need us to teach them the meaning of equal justice under law. They need us to explain why laws prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. They need our ability to see both sides of an issue, and to bring together people who would otherwise be at each other's throats.

Lawyers know how to debate without dividing. We know how to disagree without being disagreeable.

As New Yorkers, we are proud and mindful of the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor, the cherished symbol of our country's commitment to a diverse and inclusive society. Let us pledge to do everything in our power to fight to preserve this bedrock principle and enduring promise of our state and nation.

Hank Greenberg is president of the New York State Bar Association.