HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2020-008 In Response to the Death of George Floyd, Condemning Racism, and Supporting Peaceful Protests in Snohomish County RESOLUTION NO. 2020-008
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARLINGTON IN RESPONSE TO THE DEATH
OF GEORGE FLOYD, CONDEMNING RACISM, AND SUPPORTING PEACEFUL PROTESTS IN
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
WHEREAS, on May 25, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota the life of George Floyd was tragically
taken by a Minneapolis police officer; and
WHEREAS, the unjust death of George Floyd and many others have sparked demonstrations and
protests nationwide in response to continued racism and unequal justice that still exists in our
nation; and
WHEREAS, it is every American's constitutional right to peacefully assemble and protest, and
the overwhelming majority of those protesting are doing so peacefully to fight for justice for
George Floyd and social justice in our nation; and
WHEREAS, there are groups of individuals resorting to violence, whether out of genuine anger
or opportunism, causing further destruction and hurt in our communities, and further dividing
us; and
WHEREAS, due to claims on social media about non-peaceful protests coming to the City of
Snohomish, bringing fear of potential destruction to local businesses, many citizens
congregated in downtown Snohomish on Sunday, May 315t, 2020; and
WHEREAS, as while the majority of these citizens were peacefully gathered to protect their city
from harm, there were instances of individuals advertising hate symbols; and
WHEREAS, as we move forward and continue striving for social justice and racial equity, let
these words by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. be on the forefront of our minds: "Darkness cannot
drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that";
and
WHEREAS, the City of Arlington invites all other cities in Snohomish County to adopt a similar
Resolution;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Council of the City of Arlington:
1. Mourn the death of George Floyd and joins the call for justice;
2. Support those who wish to protest peacefully without fear of intimidation;
3. Do not support returning hate with hate or violence with violence;
4. Condemn acts of violence and damage to public and private property;
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-008 1
5. Commit to ongoing efforts to listen to our historically marginalized
communities of color and finding actionable ways to make our system more
just for everyone;
6. Stand proudly for racial equality and condemn any and all hate-based
organizations that are counter to this mission.
PASSED BY the City Council and APPROVED by the Mayor this 15th day of June, 2020.
CITY OF ARLINGTON
Barbara Tolbert, Mayor
Attest:
Wendy Van Der Meersche, City Clerk
Approved as to form:
Stevan eiff
City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-008 2