HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2020-016 Resolution Denouncing Xenophobia in COVID-19 RES -2020 - 016 ( revised)
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION DENOUNCING XENOPHOBIA IN COVID49
WHEREAS , since the outbreak of COVID49 , we have seen a surge in discriminatory rhetoric and
violent attacks against Asian Americans across the country ; and
WHEREAS , the perpetrators have been inspired by debunked conspiracy theories about the origin of the
virus and how it spreads ; and
WHEREAS , Orange County residents are understandably worried about the spread of COVID - 19 and are
looking to us for guidance and reassurance ; and
WHEREAS , the dissemination of false information about COVID49 is dangerous for the public health
and for Orange County residents and others who may increasingly become the victims of racist and
xenophobic attacks ; and
WHEREAS , we have a responsibility during a public health crisis to use our unique platform to calm our
residents ' fears , not stoke them ; and
WHEREAS , pathogens and viruses do not discriminate based on any race or national origin ; and
WHEREAS , stigmatizing part of our populace will not only be ineffective in preventing the spread of this
virus , but will also breakdown trust and cause harm to our sense of community ; and
WHEREAS , the sharing of inaccurate information or unconfirmed reports runs the risk of increasing fears
and inciting violence ;
NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of Orange County, North
Carolina do hereby encourage all residents of Orange County to share only confirmed and verifiable
information provided by organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention , the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public
Health and the Orange County Public Health Department, to ensure that it is accurate and does not stoke
unfounded fears .
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of Orange County encourages Orange
County residents to denounce any racist and xenophobic rhetoric targeting members of our community
and ensure that we act swiftly to condemn and address violent racism and mitigate any economic loss ,
rooted in fear and misinformation .
th
This the 10 day of March, 2020 .
Penny Rich, Chair,
Orange County Board of
Commissi
oners oners