City of Alexandria, Virginia
________________
MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 23, 2016
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of Adoption of the Statement on Inclusiveness.
BODY
_________________________________________________________________
ISSUE: City Council adoption of the statement on inclusiveness.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council adopt the statement on inclusiveness agreed to by the individual members of Council on November 19, 2016.
BACKGROUND: On November 19, 2016, the members of City Council, each acting as individuals, agreed to a statement supporting inclusiveness and diversity. The statement pointed out that tolerance is a core community value, recognized freedom of speech while supporting freedom from fear, and reaffirmed the responsibility to ensure equal protection for every person in Alexandria. The statement concluded by denouncing divisive and hateful actions and harmful bias and discrimination.
DISCUSSION: When they agreed to a statement on November 19, the members of City Council were responding to many concerns expressed by residents of Alexandria and increasing acts of hate and violence around the country, and did not wish to wait for the next City Council meeting to express their views. Similar statements have been issued in cities around the country, and by the Alexandria School Board. Because no meeting was scheduled until November 29, no vote of Council could be taken, the statement represented the individual viewpoints of the members rather than a formal position of City Council. City Council may now wish to adopt the statement as a body, which will have the effect of a resolution. There is no change proposed to the text. The statement is being translated into Spanish, Amharic, and Arabic for distribution in the community.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. News Release: Members of Alexandria City Council Issue Statemen...
Click here for full text