A RESOLUTION urging our fellow officials in government, our colleagues in the Seattle School District and all our fellow citizens, to rally resources, work cooperatively, and remain vigilant in support of efforts to reduce intolerance toward others of different background or beliefs, in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

WHEREAS, terrorist acts of September 11 were so devastating that they have affected everyone in our nation, including citizens of Seattle and Washington state; and

WHEREAS, violent acts, intended as reprisals, have been committed against those who are perceived as potentially associated with terrorism, and against their businesses, their places of worship and their families, including over 25 documented cases in Seattle and over 50 documented cases in Washington state; and

WHEREAS, it is especially critical at this time for all Americans to come together to stand up against intolerance of another's ethnicity, lifestyle, race, culture, nationality, or religious beliefs, as these are the very attitudes that breed terrorism; and

WHEREAS, the City of Seattle wants to uphold its responsibility to work to prevent these kinds of discrimination, and prides itself in doing its best to treat all individuals with dignity and respect; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of Seattle recognize there is still much to be done to teach tolerance and cultural sensitivity among civil servants and citizenry, and to create safer communities throughout our city and our state;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT: We urge all City departments and the Seattle School District to direct appropriate attention and resources to supporting local and state efforts to 1) reduce intolerance and hate crimes toward those of different backgrounds or beliefs; 2) provide support to those in communities targeted by such crimes; 3) work with young people, community groups and local organizations to assure procedures for reporting such crimes are in place and understood; 4) clarify and reinforce procedures to respond to discrimination and harassment in the workplace; and 5) welcome and foster positive interactions among all peoples, and all cultures, in support of a world that works for everyone; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we unequivocally condemn all discrimination and racism directed against Arab Americans, Muslims, South Asians, Jews, and any other people perceived as being from "terrorist" or "other" cultures, and we proclaim our city a Hate Free Zone; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we recommit ourselves to honoring Human Rights Day on December 10, first recognized by the Seattle City Council in 1975, with the intention of promoting awareness of the world's diverse communities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we urge our fellow citizens to exercise tolerance and understanding and to especially honor Human Rights Day of this and every year as a special day in which to promote tolerance and respect for human rights.

Adopted by the City Council the _____ day of _______________, 2001, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this _____ day of _______________, 2001.

________________________________________

President of the City Council

THE MAYOR CONCURRING:

________________________________________

Paul Schell, Mayor

Filed by me this _____ day of _______________, 2001.

________________________________________

City Clerk

(Seal)

McAteer

Date 12/12/01

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