Post date: Aug 04, 2020 4:5:35 PM
CITIZEN’S PETITION “NOT IN OUR COUNTY PLEDGE”
Article 36: “Not in Our County Pledge” Petition to the Williamstown MA 2020 Town Warrant
Whereas, the Town of Williamstown is committed to providing equality, access, and opportunity for all its residents, and believes in the vital importance of a diverse community; and Whereas, a national call for racial justice has necessitated the affirmation of the Town's commitment to the ideals of equity and inclusion, particularly concerning the effort to assure the safety of black-identifying people of color; and Whereas, the Town of Williamstown wants to be a welcoming community and a safe and enjoyable place of residence for people regardless of background,
Now, therefore, be it resolved that
1. The Town of Williamstown and its representatives are fully committed to upholding the following Not in Our County Pledge:
As an institution, organization, or local business, we commit to working together with our constituents, employees, employers and stakeholders to create a safer, more integrated Berkshire County. As an organization we respond with best intention and practices to not stay silent in the face of intolerance or hate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, country of origin, ability or any other factor. We work to acknowledge, address and act in response to all forms of intended or unintended exclusion, hate, bigotry, intolerance and bullying. We pledge to renew our commitment to this work every day and to respond to all incidents in a timely, collaborative manner.
2. The Town of Williamstown, as well as its representatives and agencies, will report a representative and unbiased picture of any and all hate, exclusion, or intolerance they may witness as being directed towards an individual or group based on any of the above demographics. They have the responsibility to uphold the values of justice and inclusion, and therefore pledge to combat and speak out against any infractions to the above pledge.
The Select Board unanimously recommends the adoption of this article.