* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Dorsey
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
The Election of Donald Trump and Mike Pence as President and Vice-President of the United States of America
For the purpose of opposing and condemning divisive and scapegoating rhetoric, rooted in hate and prejudice, and used, approved of, or encouraged by President-Elect Donald Trump targeting historically disenfranchised, marginalized, and oppressed groups.
body
Recitals
Whereas, during the 2016 United States Presidential Campaign and in the weeks following Election Day, Donald Trump and Mike Pence used, approved of, or encouraged divisive and scapegoating rhetoric, rooted in hate and prejudice, and as a result historically disenfranchised, marginalized, and oppressed groups face an increase in hate speech and acts of violence.
Whereas, the election of Donald Trump and Mike Pence as President and Vice-President of the United States of America has stoked fear and apprehension among Americans including among historically disenfranchised, marginalized, and oppressed groups who may fear that the Rights guaranteed them as Americans will be compromised, undermined, or taken from them.
Whereas, Baltimore City is a majority Black city with a thriving and growing New American population, and women are the backbone of Baltimore community and civic life, meaning that the majority of Baltimoreans have been directly impacted by the rhetoric of President-Elect Donald Trump.
Whereas, President-Elect Donald Trump’s use, approval, and encouragement of rhetoric and threats targeting historically disenfranchised, marginalized, and oppressed groups has emboldened those with hate in their hearts, and that rhetoric and acts of hate must be met and surmounted by acts of compassion and resistance.
Whereas, to remain silent in response to rhetoric and acts of hatred and prejudice is to be complicit in those words and actions.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Council joins elected bodies from cities across our nation and the majority of Americans who oppose and condemn the false narrative and scapegoating rhetoric promoted by President-Elect Donald Trump.
And be it further resolved, That the Council opposes and condemns President-Elect Donald Trump’s use, approval, and/or encouragement of rhetoric and threats targeting New Americans, Muslim Americans, Jewish Americans, women, persons of color, LGBTQ Americans, Americans with disabilities, and other groups targeted by President-Elect Trump or those who will be unfairly targeted and scapegoated in the future. Acts of violence have already been committed by supporters and others emboldened by President-Elect Trump’s rhetoric, and these communities remain at increased risk of violence, harassment, and discrimination as a result.
And be it further resolved, That the Council calls on Baltimoreans and all Americans to speak out as allies when any group is slandered or targeted by prejudiced words or violent acts.
And be it further resolved, That the Council will actively work to protect historically disenfranchised, marginalized, and oppressed persons.
And be it further resolved, That the Council stands in solidarity with New Americans, those targeted based on their religious background or culture, those targeted based on their race or ethnicity, or gender or sexual orientation, or those unfairly targeted and scapegoated on the basis of prejudice and hatred.
And be it further resolved, That the Council is committed to holding our law enforcement agencies accountable in their responsiveness and compassion to any instance of violence or harassment perpetrated on the basis of prejudice and hatred.
And be it further resolved, That the Council is committed to police reform in Baltimore City that achieves true community policing, makes use of non-lethal force the norm, rebukes the combative and adversarial relationship that remains from the days of zero-tolerance policing, and that provides community oversight for the police department.
And be it further resolved, That the Council commits to doubling down on progressive policies that recognize that diversity is not simply our strength relied upon today, but the fuel that propels us into a future filled with promise.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.