HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-11132 affirming that Racism is a Public Health crisis and recommending the Public Health Officials declare Racism a Public Health EmergencyR 11132
RESOLUTION NO. 11132 (2020 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING THAT RACISM IS A PUBLIC
HEALTH CRISIS AND URGING PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS
DECLARE RACISM A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence defined the United States of America as a
democracy based on the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and
government by the consent of the people; and the 14th Amendment instilled equality of the races
into the US Constitution; and
WHEREAS, from slavery to Jim Crow laws to the modern criminal justice system, Black
people in this country have been brutalized and dehumanized for centuries; and
WHEREAS, the struggles of Black people have been highlighted most recently by
alarming findings that Black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at a much higher rate compared
to White Americans due to the effects of systemic, structural racism; and
WHEREAS, in the 21st Century, Black people in America continue to live in fear of losing
their lives at the hands of abusive elements of law enforcement or members of white supremacist
groups; and
WHEREAS, numerous acts of racism and resulting death continue to plague our country
despite many pleas for change; and
WHEREAS, the recent acts of racisms have sparked advocacy, activism, and protests
across the country with groups such as Black Lives Matter demanding action be taken to end the
social, economic, political, health and educational disparities that have manifested in numerous
acts of violence and homicide against black people and other members of underserved
communities; and
WHEREAS, in alignment with the goal of creating a safe and welcoming community, we
value human rights, peace, respect, inclusivity and equity, and recognize that we derive strength
from our diversity.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby affirms that racism is a public health crisis.
SECTION 2. The City Council is committed to making San Luis Obispo a welcoming,
inclusive, and Safe community for everyone. While we promote free thought and speech, we
condemn racism and brutality, hate speech, bigotry, violence, and prejudice in any form.
Resolution No. 11132 (2020 Series) Page 2
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SECTION 3. The City Council is committed to standing in solidarity with the people of
San Luis Obispo and the Black Lives Matter movement and is dedicated to creating a community
where all people can safely, freely, and fully engage in our democracy.
SECTION 4. The City Council requests that Public Health Officials declare systemic
racism and its public health manifestations to be a public health emergency.
Upon motion of Council Member Christianson, seconded by Council Member Pease, and
on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Member Christianson, Pease, Stewart, Vice Mayor Gomez and
Mayor Harmon
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 16th day of June 2020.
____________________________________
Mayor Heidi Harmon
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, on _____________________.
____________________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk