Res 2017-159/adopting the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Compact to Combat Hate, Extremism, and Bigotry

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RESOLUTION 2017-159R A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, TEXAS, ADOPTING THE US CONFERENCE OF MAYOR'S COMPACT TO COMBAT HATE, EXTREMISM, AND BIGOTRY; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. RECITALS: 1. The United States of America is a nation founded on principles of liberty and justice for all. We treasure our freedom, our commitment to equality, and our democratic values. These values are what has made America great for more than 240 years. 2. Individual Americans can, and often do, agree to disagree with each other on issues large and small.Differences should be celebrated. Our freedom of speech and the other rights enshrined in the First Amendment are among our most cherished freedoms. 3. But our diverse and pluralistic nation has endured and thrived for centuries because we have been able to reject the forces of extremism and bigotry that could tear us apart. The country has a long history of striving to be a more perfect union. In the face of challenges and division,we have stood together—Americans of different races,ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, nationalities, and political persuasions—and we have found ways to move forward. 4. Decades, America's mayors have taken a strong position in support of civil rights and in opposition to racism and discrimination of all kinds. In the 54 years since the murder of Medgar Evers in Jackson, Mississippi, the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, which killed four young girls, and the March on Washington led by Dr.Martin Luther King,Jr.,much progress has been made in addressing past grievances and in ensuring the civil and human rights of all Americans. 5. Across the country, many mayors have spoken out against discrimination and injustice when it has occurred and have undertaken efforts to build tolerance and understanding within their communities. In recent years, cities have undertaken efforts to integrate immigrants into their communities and have adopted a variety of policies to include fully and treat equitably their LGBT residents. 6. Today, however,we are being challenged again. Dark forces of extremism and violent bigotry are rearing their ugly heads. We are now seeing efforts in our states and at the highest levels of our government to weaken existing civil rights policies and reduce their enforcement. We have seen an increase in hate violence, xenophobic rhetoric, and discriminatory actions that target Muslims, Jews, and other minorities. We will not permit them to succeed. 7. Mayors and their cities must continue to be a beacon for inclusion, tolerance, and respect for all. We will continue to create stronger cultures of kindness and