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Resolve: That the City Council condemn violence and hate speech, expressing solidarity with people of Chinese and Asian descent and all those targeted for their actual or perceived ethnicity, race or religion.
WHEREAS the United States was founded by immigrants, and the contributions of immigrants from China and Asia have been and remain essential to the success and well-being of our nation, and
WHEREAS despite these founding principles, there has been a history of discrimination in the United States based on ethnicity, race or religion such as the Chinese Exclusion Act that banned most immigration from China, the internment of citizens of Japanese descent in World War II and the segregation of children of color in schools including students of Asian descent; and
WHEREAS there are more than eighteen million people of Asian descent living in the United States today, and approximately fourteen thousand living in the city of Malden, making invaluable contributions to our economy, our social and political life, and our culture; and
WHEREAS since the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, people of Chinese and Asian descent living in Malden have been unfairly targeted with verbal abuse; and
WHEREAS we are saddened and outraged at the recent escalation of hateful rhetoric against people of Chinese and Asian descent, those perceived to be of Chinese or Asian descent, immigrants, and all people of color, and we are particularly concerned to see political figures and elected government officials leading this escalation and using it in order to gain power; and
WHEREAS in the face of extreme bigotry and violence, Malden’s Chinese and Asian communities and their leaders have made significant charitable contributions, provided protective equipment to first responders and front line workers and have served those in need without regard to ethnicity, race or immigrant status; and
WHEREAS we, as elected representatives of the people, have a special responsibility not to stay silent in the face of hate, violence and discrimination against any of our constituents or countrymen:
Now therefore be it resolved, that the Malden City Council:
(1) Condemns all hateful speech and violent action directed at people of Chinese or Asian descent, or those perceived to be of Chinese or Asian descent, immigrants and people of color;
(2) Categorically rejects political tactics that use fear to manipulate voters or to gain power or influence;
(3) Commits to pursuing a policy agenda that affirms civil and human rights, fosters an equitable and inclusive community, and ensures that those
targeted on the basis of race, religion or immigration status can turn to government without fear of recrimination;
(4) Reaffirms the value of a pluralistic society, the beauty of a culture composed of multiple cultures, and the inalienable right of every person to live and practice their faith without fear.