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__________________________
Chairman Phil Mendelson

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Councilmember Brianne Nadeau

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Councilmember David Grosso

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Councilmember Charles Allen

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Councilmember LaRuby May

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Councilmember Elissa Silverman

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Councilmember Jack Evans

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Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie

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Councilmember Robert White

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Councilmember Anita Bonds

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Councilmember Mary M. Cheh

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Councilmember Yvette Alexander

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Councilmember Brandon T. Todd

A PROPOSED RESOLUTION
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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To declare the sense of the Council of the District of Columbia to condemn violence and hate
speech, express solidarity with Muslims and all those targeted for their ethnicity, race, or
religion.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this

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resolution may be cited as the Sense of the Council in Condemnation of Anti-Muslim Bigotry

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Resolution of 2016.

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Sec. 2. The Council finds that:

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(1) The United States was founded by immigrants, many fleeing religious persecution, who

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enshrined freedom of religion as one of our nations fundamental legal and ethical principles.

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(2) The history of Islam in the United States began before its founding when African

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Muslims were enslaved and brought to the Americas, where they later helped in numerous ways

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to build this country, including sacrificing their lives on the line in every major war beginning with

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the Revolutionary War.

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(3) There are more than 3 million Muslims living in the United States today, with a

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significant portion living in the District of Columbia, making invaluable contributions to our

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economy, our social and political life, and our culture.

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(4) There has been an unprecedented backlash since 9/11 in the form of hate crimes and

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employment discrimination toward Arab and Muslim Americans and those perceived as Muslims.

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(5) Arab and Muslim Americans, and those perceived as Muslims, are frequently the targets

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of abusive and discriminatory police practices sanctioned by certain states, including surveillance

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in their neighborhoods and places of worship.

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(6) The recent escalation of hateful rhetoric against Muslims, those perceived to be
Muslims, immigrants, and all people of color is saddening and outrageous.

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(7) It is particularly concerning to see national political figures and elected government
officials leading this escalation and using it in order to gain power.

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(8) In the face of extreme bigotry and violence, Muslim communities and their leaders are

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using the language and teachings of Islam to promote peace and justice and service, and their

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institutions are continuing to play an essential societal role providing charitable and humanitarian

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services to those in need.

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(9) We, as elected representatives of the people, have a special responsibility not to stay
silent in the face of hate violence and discrimination against any of our constituents.

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(10) It is incumbent upon the Council to pursue a policy agenda that affirms civil and

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human rights, and ensures that those targeted on the basis of race, religion, or immigration status

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can turn to government without fear of recrimination.

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(11) It is necessary to reaffirm the value of a pluralistic society, the beauty of a city

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composed of multiple cultures, and the inalienable right of every person to live and practice their

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faith without fear.

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Sec. 3. It is the sense of the Council of the District of Columbia to condemn violence and

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hate speech, and to express solidarity with Muslims and all those targeted for their ethnicity,

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race, or religion.

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Sec. 4. The Council shall transmit a copy of this resolution, upon its adoption, to the

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Mayor, the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, the Director of the Office of Human

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Rights, the Director of the Mayors Office of Religious Affairs, and the Attorney General of the

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United States.

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Sec. 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in
the District of Columbia Register.
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