MODEL BILLS

Resolution Condemning White Supremacy (2019)

Based on Boise, Idaho Resolution 462-19 adopted Sept. 24, 2019

A RESOLUTION CONDEMNING AND DENOUNCING BIAS AND HATE IN ALL OF ITS FORMS, COMMITTING TO ENSURING CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS ARE AFFORDED TO ALL INDIVIDUALS IN [JURISDICTION], AND REAFFIRMING [JURISDICTION]’S COMMITMENT TO PEACE, RESPECT, INCLUSIVITY, AND EQUITY FOR ALL.

WHEREAS, there has been a rise of white supremacy across the United States and the globe, much of which has been emboldened by the words and actions of the current presidential administration and those targeting our communities through social media; and

WHEREAS, it is an ideology focused on maintaining white political and economic, as well as demographic, dominance; it is at odds with our commitment to inclusion and multiracial democracy in [Jurisdiction]; and

WHEREAS, free speech is a core principle of American democracy, but does not excuse the unconscionable agenda of hate groups that seek to destabilize American democracy, use fear as a control tactic, divide our community, and promote and ignite social animosities; and

WHEREAS, our history serves a critical role in our understanding of discrimination, it is thereby incumbent upon us to acknowledge our history, so we do not repeat it; and

NOTE: Here, Boise inserted the following to illustrate the history of racism, which we print below so you can see how to illustrate the history of racism in your own jurisdiction:

WHEREAS, white settlers entered the Boise Basin in 1862 when gold was discovered, and unlike any other racial or ethnic minority in Idaho, indigenous populations endured colonial invasion leading to their forcible removal from their lands in 1863 relegating them to swaths of land designated and manned by US Government cavalry troops; and

WHEREAS, the indigenous people of Idaho continue to struggle to have their tribal sovereignty recognized and honored; control over vital resources including land, water, hunting and fishing rights, and political jurisdiction continue to plague indigenous peoples throughout Idaho; and

WHEREAS, the calls for the deportation of Japanese-Americans following Pearl Harbor led to government action that resulted in the forced relocation of Japanese-Americans to incarceration camps with deplorable living conditions, the largest of which was located in Minidoka interning 9,000 refugees, over a thousand of whom enlisted as soldiers to fight for America’s freedom; and

WHEREAS, Idaho’s history includes infiltration by those conforming with the Northwest Territorial Imperative that led to the formation of the Aryan Nation’s headquarters and compound near Hayden that operated from the late 1970’s – 2001 and hate groups continue to view this area as a haven for white supremacist activity; and

NOTE: This part is again general language:

WHEREAS, the disparities due to redlining, segregation of black communities, and historical bias in government services, including policing, are part of our collective history; and

WHEREAS, this history conjures painful memories; the trauma inflicted on people of color, and other harm it has caused to members of our community affects educational, economic, and social outcomes; and

WHEREAS, [Jurisdiction] is proud to be a Welcoming City, and an inclusive city for all; and

WHEREAS, our values are rooted in peace, respect, inclusivity, and equity, and we derive our strength from our diversity; we commit to ensuring the inequities of the past are never a part of our future; and

WHEREAS, the [Jurisdiction] condemns xenophobia, racism, white supremacy, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, ableism, sexism, and all other forms of bigotry; proudly stands for individual dignity and security and in unity against all those who would seek to propagate hate, fear, intimidation and incite fear and violence targeting any human being; and

WHEREAS, the [Jurisdiction] celebrates and embraces the diversity of our community, which includes people of all races, national origins, immigration or refugee statuses, heritages, cultures, religions, sexes, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, and economic statuses.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the [Jurisdiction] denounces bias or hate in any form and is committed to continue pursuing policies and directing resources of the city in the next year and beyond to ensure civil and human rights are afforded to all individuals.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the [Jurisdiction] is proud to stand as a shining example of cities committed to inclusion, dignity, and justice.  To that end we deepen our resolve that the city will work with community organizations to develop a training for city staff to recognize and confront systemic discrimination reaffirming our steadfast commitment to peace, respect, inclusivity, and equity for all.