Dane County Protects Muslims With Resolution

DANE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS – OCTOBER 20TH 2016

2016 Resolution #313
COMMITMENT TO PURSUE A POLICY AGENDA THAT AFFIRMS CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS

The United States is a nation that has come to be a symbol of diversity around the globe. The core values that we are striving to put into practice are based on allowing individuals to live without fear and in prosperity whatever their identity status may be. The role of government should be to protect and affirm the rights of all of its citizens, regardless of their immigration or religious status.

There are more than 3 million Muslims living in the United States today. Muslim Americans have faced an unprecedented increase in hate crimes and discrimination. The history of Islam in the United States began even before its founding, when African Muslims were enslaved and brought to the Americas, where they later helped in numerous ways to build this country, including sacrificing their lives on the line in every major war from the Revolutionary War on.

We are saddened and outraged at the recent escalation of hateful rhetoric against Muslims. We are particularly concerned to see political figures and elected government officials leading this escalation. As elected officials, we have an increased responsibility to call out and condemn this hateful and often violent rhetoric.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Dane County Board of Supervisors condemns all hateful speech and violent action directed and Muslims, immigrants and people of color; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Dance County Board of Supervisors categorically rejects political tactics that use fear to manipulate voters or to gain power or influence; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Dane County Board of Supervisors commits to pursuing a policy agenda that affirms civil and human rights, and ensures that those targeted on the basis of race, religion or immigration status can turn to government without fear of recrimination.

Original Document

October 20th Meeting Minutes