HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 09-03-19 Item 4-d - Resolution Condemning the Ku Klux Klan and Other Similar Groups ORANGE COUNTY 1
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 3, 2019
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-d
SUBJECT: Resolution Condemning the Ku Klux Klan and Other Similar Groups
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Resolution Penny Rich, BOCC Chair, 245-2130
PURPOSE: To consider a Resolution Condemning the Ku Klux Klan and Other Similar Groups.
BACKGROUND: The Ku Klux Klan, consisting of numerous independent local groups
throughout the United States, is an organization that symbolizes hatred.
Based on recent events in the Orange County community and nationwide, BOCC Chair Penny
Rich has proposed that the Orange County Board of Commissioners consider the attached
resolution condemning the Ku Klux Klan and other similar groups. The Caswell County Board of
Commissioners will consider a similar resolution at its September 3, 2019 Board meeting.
Orange County as a diverse open community stands in direct opposition to the activities of the
Ku Klux Klan and other similar groups.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
resolution.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
• GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board consider approving and
authorizing the Chair to sign the resolution.
RES-2019-056 DRAFT 2
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Resolution Condemning the Ku Klux Klan and Other
Similar Groups
WHEREAS, the Ku Klux Klan, consisting of numerous independent local groups
throughout the United States, is an organization that symbolizes hatred; and
WHEREAS, the Ku Klux Klan promotes violence, domestic terrorism and racial
terrorism; and
WHEREAS, intimidation, discrimination, oppression, and racism threaten American
democracy; and
WHEREAS, white supremacists are exploiting bigotry and have weaponized hate
targeting African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, LGBTQ
communities, immigrants,Jews, Muslims, and other people of color; and
WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to ensure the safety and security of all Orange
County residents, and
WHEREAS, Orange County prides itself on being a diverse open community
dedicated to fostering positive human relations, promoting the equal treatment of
all individuals, encouraging goodwill and harmony among groups in the County; and
protecting residents' personal dignity so as to make available to the County their full
productive and creative capacities; and
WHEREAS, Orange County fully embraces the rights guaranteed in the First
Amendment to the Bill of Rights, but equally believes those rights do not give the
right to any persons or groups to threaten the existence of others;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT we, the Orange County Board of
Commissioners, strongly oppose the activities of the Ku Klux Klan, reject white
nationalist, white supremacist, neo-Nazis and other hate groups, and urge
lawmakers in the State of North Carolina and the Federal Government to denounce
threats posed by those groups.
This the 3rd day of September 2019.
Penny Rich, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners