RES NO. 2017-09 COBI AS A WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE CITYRESOLUTION NO. 2017-09
Bainbridge Island Welcoming and Inclusive City Resolution
A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Bainbridge
Island, Washington, affirming that Bainbridge Island is a
Welcoming and Inclusive City that respects the fundamental human
dignity of all people.
WHEREAS, all people — including persons of all races, creeds, colors, national origins, sexes,
sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, mental abilities, and physical abilities
— are respected and valued members of our community, and are vital to our shared health and
welfare; and
WHEREAS, Bainbridge Island has long been recognized as a hospitable and welcoming
community where diverse people, families, and institutions thrive; and the contributions of all
are celebrated and valued; and
WHEREAS, Bainbridge Island's inclusive culture and values enhance our cultural fabric,
economic growth, and overall wellbeing for current and future generations; and
WHEREAS, we remember our history, including the oppression of indigenous peoples and the
internment of Japanese Americans during World War Il, and we vow as a community: Nidoto
Nai Yoni — Let It Not Happen Again; and
WHEREAS, Bainbridge Island was the first community in the United States during World War
II where, under a dark cloud of racial prejudice, fear, and uncertainty, and a shameful lack of
political leadership, Japanese Americans were wrongly exiled from the West Coast; yet the
majority of the members of our community believed in fundamental constitutional rights and
protections, stood by their friends and neighbors, and refused to succumb to bigotry and hatred;
and
WHEREAS, Bainbridge Island is committed to continuing to build an inclusive and safe
community, where all persons are fully accepted, integrated, and protected; and
WHEREAS, community efforts that promote understanding and collaboration between our
native-born and foreign -born community members are crucial in encouraging and preserving
Bainbridge Island's welcoming environment; and
WHEREAS, Bainbridge Island encourages our businesses, civic groups, schools, government
agencies, and other community institutions to undertake their own initiatives, beyond this
resolution, to make Bainbridge Island a welcoming place for new residents from other countries,
and an inclusive community for all people;
WHEREAS, Bainbridge Island is a place of sanctuary for targeted communities and persecuted
peoples; a City that opposes hate and bias and acts of intolerance committed against our
neighbors; and a City that vows to cultivate and support a culture of compassion, kindness, and
protection; now, therefore,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAINBRIDGE ISLAND DOES RESOLVE AS
FOLLOWS:
The City of Bainbridge Island is a Welcoming and Inclusive City that embraces all residents and
visitors regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
gender expression, mental ability, and physical ability; a City that strives for unity and harmony
in our community; and a City that respects the essential human dignity of all people.
PASSED by the City Council this 14th day of February, 2017.
APPROVED by the Mayor this 14th day
At
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATE:
r
By:
Christine Brown, City lerk
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: February 3, 2017
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: February 14, 2017
RESOLUTION NO. 2017-09
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