AGENDA BILL
Beaverton City Council
Beaverton, Oregon
SUBJECT:

A Resolution to Declare Support for the
Muslim Community and Reaffirm Beaverton
as a Welcoming City

FOR AGENDA OF: 03-01-16
Mayor's Approval:

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DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN:

Mayor's Office

DATE SUBMITTED:

02-19-16

CLEARANCES:

PROCEEDING:

ACTION ITEM

EXPENDITURE
REQUIRED $0

BILL NO: 16048

EXHIBITS:

BUDGET IMPACT
AMOUNT
BUDGETED $0

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City Attorney
CAO
~
Strat. Initiatives~

Resolution

APPROPRIATION
REQUIRED $0

RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council approves the resolution.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE:
The Diversity Advisory Board (DAB) has been tasked with advising the City on equity and inclusion
strategies that strengthen connections between diverse communities and city government.
As part of the DAB's regular meeting agenda in January, the board discussed the increasingly hostile
climate for refugees and the Muslim community after national and international events in late 2015. They
brainstormed possible responses and among them emerged the idea to draft a council resolution.
Volunteers from the board researched responses by other cities and collaborated to draft the attached
resolution. The draft was reviewed and approved by the whole DAB at their regular February meeting.
DAB members visited the February 16 council meeting to share an update during the Visitor Comment
period and ask City Council to consider the attached resolution.
INFORMATION FOR CONSIDERATION:
The Diversity Advisory Board recommends that City Council pass the attached resolution in support of the
Muslim Community. They feel that this resolution will send a strong and meaningful message to the
community. Members of the board have committed to sharing the resolution widely among the local
Muslim and other immigrant and refugee communities if passed.
The messaging in the attached resolution aligns with Beaverton's ongoing Welcoming City initiative.

Agenda Bill No:

l6048

 RESOLUTION NO.

436 7

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A RESOLUTION TO DECLARE SUPPORT FOR THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY AND
REAFFIRM BEAVERTON AS A WELCOMING CITY
WHEREAS,

actively fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all people,
regardless of race, ethnicity, place of origin or religion, is a core value and
priority of the City of Beaverton; and

WHEREAS,

Beaverton officially declared itself a Welcoming City for immigrants and
refugees in April 2015, joining other local jurisdictions across the country in
leading the national welcoming movement; and

WHEREAS,

anti-Muslim rhetoric has increased in the national discourses and rates of hate
violence targeting Muslim families and children are at record highs across our
nation, which is detrimental to all people who cherish freedom and liberty; and

WHEREAS,

Muslims, both native born and immigrant, represent an increasingly important
thread in the tapestry of American society and that of our local community; and

WHEREAS,

one in four residents of Beaverton were born outside of the United States and
a significant percentage of these immigrants and refugees are Muslim and have
come to Beaverton seeking a safe place to work, study or raise a family; and

WHEREAS,

Beaverton strives to be a place where individuals and families from all
backgrounds feel safe, are treated with respect and dignity, and are recognized
for their contributions to building a strong and vibrant community;

WHEREAS,

the city's Diversity Advisory Board, which has been tasked with advising the city
on equity and inclusion strategies that strengthen connections between diverse
communities and city government, prepared this resolution;

NOW, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAVERTON, OREGON:
That the City of Beaverton does not tolerate discrimination, hate speech or violent acts committed
against any individual or community, including those who are Muslim or perceived as being
Muslim, their places of worship, businesses, schools, and community centers. We encourage our
residents to recognize and celebrate the diversity that is represented in our city and to make extra
efforts to ensure the safety of our Muslim, immigrant and refugee neighbors.
Adopted by Council this _ _ _ _ day of _ _ _ _ _ , 2016.
Approved by the Mayor this _ _ _ _ day of _ _ _ _ _ , 2016.

Nays:

Ayes:

APPROVED:

ATTEST:

DENNY DOYLE, Mayor

CATHERINE JANSEN, City Recorder
RESOLUTION NO. 436 7

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Agenda Bill: 16048