Title
A Resolution condemning racism and injustice; committing to make Lexington-Fayette County an inclusive environment and to address policies that do not promote equity and equality; standing steadfast with all citizens of Lexington-Fayette County in the fight for racial justice and human rights for all and welcoming input from the community on any necessary policy changes; and authorizing the Mayor and Council to consider implementation of any necessary tools to eliminate racism or ethnic discrimination within Lexington-Fayette County. [Council Office, Maynard]
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WHEREAS, from slavery to Jim Crow laws to the modern criminal justice system, African-Americans in this country have been brutalized and disenfranchised for centuries; and
WHEREAS, the disparities between African-Americans and people of other races have been highlighted most recently by alarming findings that African-Americans are dying from COVID-19 at a much higher rate; and
WHEREAS, recent news stories detailing the murders of unarmed people of color have further deepened the generations of emotional trauma; and
WHEREAS, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, including its Mayor, Urban County Council, Chief of Police, and Lexington Division of Police, are deeply saddened by these tragic events; 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 this violence; and
WHEREAS, racism and hate have no place in Lexington-Fayette County; and
WHEREAS, citizens of Lexington-Fayette County have gathered peacefully in opposition to racism and injustice, reaffirming that people of all races, ethnicities, cultures, and faiths contribute to this community’s strength and well-being; and
WHEREAS, the Lexington Police Department has been and will continue to be honest and transparent with internal and external stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, the Urban County Government truly appreciates the overwhelming engagement it receives daily from this great community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE LEXINGTON-FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT:
Section 1 - That racism and injustice within Lexington-Fayette County are hereby condemned.
Section 2 - That the Urban County Council is committed to making Lexington-Fayette County an inclusive, safe environment for everyone, and will address all policies that do not promote equity and equality.
Section 3 - That the Urban County Council will stand steadfast with all citizens of Lexington-Fayette County in the fight for racial justice and human rights for all and welcome input from the community on any necessary policy changes to promote equity and equality within Lexington-Fayette County.
Section 4 - That the Mayor and Council, on behalf of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, is hereby authorized to consider implementation of any necessary tools to eliminate racism, injustice, or ethnic discrimination within Lexington-Fayette County.
Section 5 - That this Resolution shall become effective on the date of its passage.
PASSED URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL:
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MAYOR
ATTEST:
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CLERK OF URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL