HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-210 CCR Member April Graves introduced the following resolution and
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-210
RESOLUTION CONDEMNING VIOLENCE AND HATE SPEECH,
EXPRESSING SOLIDARITY WITH MUSLIMS AND ALL THOSE
TARGETED FOR THEIR ETHNICITY, RACE, OR RELIGION
WHEREAS, the United States was founded by immigrants, many fleeing
religious persecution, who enshrined freedom of religion as one of our nation's fundamental
legal and ethical principles and
WHEREAS, the history of Islam in the United States began even before its
founding when African Muslims were enslaved and brought to the Americas, where they later
helped in numerous ways to build this country, including sacrificing their lives on the line in
every major war from the Revolutionary War on; and
WHEREAS, there are more than 3 million Muslims living in the United States
today, approximately 7,760 Muslims living in Hennepin County according to the Association of
Religion Data Archives (2010) and many Muslims living in the City of Brooklyn Center, making
invaluable contributions to our economy, our social and political life, and our culture; and
WHEREAS, there has been an unprecedented backlash since 9/11 in the form of
hate crimes and employment discrimination toward Arab and Muslim Americans and those
perceived as Muslims; and
WHEREAS, Arab and Muslim Americans, and those perceived as Muslims, are
frequently the targets of abusive and discriminatory police practices sanctioned by the state
including surveillance in their neighborhoods and places of worship; and
WHEREAS, we are saddened and outraged at the recent escalation of hateful
rhetoric against Muslims, those perceived to be Muslims, immigrants, and all people of color,
and we are particularly concerned to see political figures and elected government officials
leading this escalation and using it in order to gain power; and
WHEREAS, in the face of extreme bigotry and violence Muslim communities
and their leaders are using the language and teachings of Islam to promote peace and justice and
service, and their institutions are continuing to play an essential societal role providing charitable
and humanitarian services to those in need; and
WHEREAS, we, as elected representatives of the people, have a special
responsibility not to stay silent in the face of violence and discrimination against any of our
constituents or countrymen.
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-210
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota,that it:
1. Condemns all hateful speech and violent action directed at Muslims, those
perceived to be Muslims, immigrants, and people of color;
2. Categorically rejects political tactics that use fear to manipulate voters or
to gain power or influence;
3. Commits to pursuing a policy agenda that affirms civil and human rights,
and ensures that those targeted on the basis of race, religion, or
immigration status can turn to government without fear of recrimination;
and
4. Reaffirms the value of a pluralistic society, the beauty of a culture
composed of multiple cultures, and the inalienable right of every person to
live and practice their faith without fear.
December 12, 2016
Date Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member
Dan Ryan
and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
Tim Willson, April Graves, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Lin Myszkowski, Dan Ryan
and the following voted against the same:
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.