07-22-02 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 22, 2002 becoming more apparent in St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties; and WHEREAS, hatred, bigotry, racism, prejudice, and discrimination have real effects upon Americans here and abroad, and present significant obstacles to the enjoyment of a peaceful and diverse community; and WHEREAS, United Counties for Promoting Equality Among Citizens Everywhere (UC4PEACE), in conjunction with the efforts of civic leaders and activists, is engaged in efforts to promote peace and harmony in their communities; and WHEREAS, as a part of this endeavor, UC4PEACE distributes anti -hate posters and promotes the Birmingham Pledge, a statement individuals may sign as evidence oftheir commitment to tolerance and their opposition to racial prejudice. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. The Common Council of the City of South Bend supports UC4PEACE in its Birmingham Pledge and anti -hate poster programs and it encourages the cooperation of civic officials, religious leaders, law enforcement officers, human rights officials, and all citizens in a broad based effort to combat the effects of hate, bigotry, prejudice, racism, and discrimination. Section II. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Common Council and approval by the Mayor. s /Roland Kelly Member, South Bend Common Council Councilmember White made a motion to consider the substitute Resolution as on file with the City Clerk. Councilmember Coleman seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Mayor Stephen Luecke, 14th Floor, County -City Building, South Bend, Indiana, informed the Council that he is pleased to bring this Resolution to the Council and he invited Reverend David Ottsen and Liz Dobbs who are members of UC4PEACE as well as Mr. Lonnie Douglas from the South Bend Human Rights Commission to join him in this presentation. Mayor Luecke noted that regrettably there has been a recent growth of activity by hate groups and it is important for the community to stand against this type of activity and to stand for what is important to the community. Mayor Luecke further noted that this is a diverse community and that diversity is celebrated. The community does not want to allow groups that would engage in hate speech or hate activity to take away from the valuation of that diversity. At this time Mayor Luecke read the Resolution in its entirety and asked the Council for their favorable consideration of this Resolution which is an opportunity for the community to stand for what is right. Reverend David Ottsen, Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, Mishawaka, Indiana, informed the Council that he is the Chairperson of UC4PEACE which is a grassroots organization comprised of concerned citizens and religious and civic leaders from both Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties. He noted that they have witnessed the rise of hate groups and white supremacist groups in our area. Even though the Klan has gotten the most publicity, there are other groups as well. This Resolution is important because one of the things that is vital in combating white supremacists is making a statement and taking a stand. Being silent is giving agreement to their agenda. This Resolution will be quite the opposite of that and will further promote peace and goodwill among the citizens especially and primarily in St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties. -2- F1 1 L