HomeMy WebLinkAbout050420 Inclusive Community
Proclamation
Whereas, in 2017, Renton City Council adopted a proclamation affirming our belief that an inclusive
community is fundamental in building a supportive community, and promotes mutual respect and
appreciation for all people represented within its community; and
Whereas, since the outbreak of COVID-19, immigrant and refugee community leaders and civil rights
organizations have reported a regional and national increase in bias, harassment, and hate crimes,
particularly against Asian American, African American, Hispanic, and other marginalized communities;
and
Whereas, misinformation about coronavirus propagates fear that hurts people and impairs the ability
of our first responders and other city services to provide necessary response to COVID-19; and
Whereas, each of us has the ability to promote inclusiveness, celebrate diversity, support all fellow
community members, prevent the spread of misinformation, and reject hate and bias in all forms; and
Whereas, the City of Renton rejects racially based bias, harassment, and hate crimes due to COVID-19,
will not tolerate discrimination of any kind, and denounces all COVID-19-related misnaming, blaming
and harassment based on race, ethnicity, physical ability, socio-economic status, gender
preference/sexual orientation, age or religion; and
Whereas, we ask community members who observe or are experiencing incidents of discrimination,
harassment, or hate crimes to call 911 to report the incident, whether it is deemed an emergency or
not;
Now, therefore, I, Armondo Pavone, Mayor of the City of Renton, do hereby proclaim
Our commitment to an inclusive community that rejects
stigma and bias related to COVID-19
in the City of Renton, and I urge all Renton residents to treat each other with respect and work together
to overcome all expressions of hate and bigotry.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Renton to be
affixed this 4th day of May, 2020.
_____________________________
Armondo Pavone, Mayor
City of Renton, Washington