HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 35, 2020CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO RESOLUTION NO. 35
Series of 2020
TITLE: A RESOLUTION CONDEMNING RACISM AND HATE
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge, its Mayor, City Council, City Manager,
Chief of Police, the entire Wheat Ridge Police Department and employees city-wide, are deeply saddened by the deaths of Black Americans, including the senseless death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge affirms that the lives of Black people matter
and the nationwide movement both articulates and brings awareness to the injustices
that exist at the intersections of race, class, and gender including: mass incarceration; police brutality; poverty; unaffordable housing; income disparity; homophobia and transphobia; gender inequality; poor access to health care; and poor access to equitably resourced education and educational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, recent events are a compelling reminder that for the past 401 years, including 155 years since the abolition of slavery in the United States, violent acts and prejudices are perpetrated daily against Black people in our country and in our own community; and
WHEREAS, racism and hate have no place in our City. There is much work to be
done to stop pervasive, long-standing and devastating racial injustices in our
community; and
WHEREAS, we strive to be a community where all mothers, fathers and caregivers can raise their children to feel safe and where all people can feel safe, regardless of the color of their skin, the language they speak, their country of origin,
their religion, their gender identity, their sexual preference, and ability; and
WHEREAS, we are committed to safeguarding our community against the root causes of, and the damages stemming from, racism and hate and to protecting the Constitutional and human rights of every person who lives, works and visits our City; and
WHEREAS, the Wheat Ridge Police Department is a nationally accredited
agency and has embraced the six pillars of policing from President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing including: Building Trust and Legitimacy, Policy and Oversight, Technology and Social Media, Community Policing and Crime Reduction, Officer Training and Education and Officer Safety and Wellness; and
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge pledges to work alongside community leaders and residents to provide effective public safety, while continuing to earn the trust of the community they serve; and
WHEREAS, this Resolution is an important step towards condemning racism and hate in all its forms and that for true systematic change, it is incumbent on city leaders
and community members to listen with open hearts and minds and to take informed,
meaningful actions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado stand steadfast with all citizens of Wheat Ridge against racism and reaffirm its commitment to fighting for racial justice and human and civil
rights for all.
DONE AND RESOLVED this 22nd day of June, 2020.
Bud Starker, Mayor
ATTEST:
Steve Kirkpatrick, City Clerk