RESOLUTION DECLARING NORTH ADAMS’ COMMITMENT TO BEING A SAFE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

As our city continues to evolve into a more diverse and dynamic community, we bring forward this resolution of being a safe and inclusive city as a means of embracing and appreciating our future together.
WHEREAS, the North Adams City Council asserts that the City of North Adams does not and shall not tolerate hate crimes and expressions of hate such as malicious acts designed to promote fear, discourage civil discourse, marginalize a community of individuals, or unfairly and inequitably mistreat any member of our community; resident or visitor; and
WHEREAS, the City of North Adams supports respect for civil and human rights and recognizes that pursuant to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution whereby congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of any religion; the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948, Article 3, “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person” and Article 5, “No one shall be subjected to…degrading treatment;”
WHEREAS, the North Adams City Council stands in strong opposition to white supremacist, white nationalist, and authoritarianism beliefs, policies, actions and rhetoric that engender hatred; and
WHEREAS, the North Adams City Council believes in the rights of all people to lead lives of peace and dignity, free of fear, harassment, violence, and undo process; and
WHEREAS, the North Adams City Council is committed to protecting the residents of and visitors to the City of North Adams from racist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic, anti-immigrant, and antirefugee sentiments and acts, those targeting others based on religious belief and practice, and all other targeting of residents and visitors based on their identities or perceived identities; and
NOW THEREFOR BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of North Adams, Massachusetts emphasizes its commitment to the values of freedom, justice, and equality that bind us as a community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we stand in solidarity with, and advocate for the civil liberties and human rights of, every resident of, and visitor to North Adams regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual and gender identity, national origin, citizenship or of any perceived or actual identity.
That we commit to working towards a community, country and world that are non discriminatory, welcoming, just, inclusive, and pluralistic.
That the City of North Adams will be intolerant of and strongly condemn hate crimes, acts of vandalism, discrimination, harassment, and violence towards members of our community and beyond.
That the City Council of the City of North Adams supports the immediate response and action by the North Adams Police Department and our regional judicial system, to hold those responsible for said hate crimes and discriminatory actions, accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
That we call upon all members of our community to engage in positive community-building and take the necessary and courageous steps to prevent and respond to discrimination and hatred whenever and wherever they see it.
That we urge our local, state and federal leaders to promote the values and commitments expressed in this resolution.
That the City Council of the City of North Adams stands in solidarity with those communities nationwide that support and are committed to the values and commitments expressed herein.
AND BE IT ORDERED: that the City Clerk of the City of North Adams shall cause a copy of this resolution to be sent to U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey; Massachusetts Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo; U.S. Representatives Richard Neal; Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker; Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey; Massachusetts Senate President Stanley Rosenberg; Massachusetts State Senator Adam Hinds; Massachusetts State Representative Gailanne Cariddi; Massachusetts State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier; Massachusetts State Representative Paul
Mark; Massachusetts State Representative William Smitty Pignatelli; and the North Adams Police and Fire Departments.