Resolutions & Proclamations

HUMAN RIGHTS PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, on December 10, 1948, the member States of the United Nations signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and countries of different political, economic and social systems unanimously agreed on the fundamental rights that all people share solely on the basis of their common humanity; and

WHEREAS, the Universal Declaration asserts that recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace; and

WHEREAS, disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in acts which have outraged the conscience of humankind, and

WHEREAS, a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people; and

WHEREAS, the Universal Declaration is referred to as the authoritative definition of human rights standards and increasingly referred to as customary international law, which all countries must abide; and

WHEREAS, the primary responsibility to promote respect for these rights and freedoms lies with each individual and each of us can play a major role in enhancing human rights; and

WHEREAS, the people of Beaverton, Oregon, reaffirm their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, and in the equal rights of men and women, and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Denny Doyle, Mayor of the City of Beaverton, Oregon, do hereby proclaim December 10, 2018, as

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

in the City of Beaverton and challenge our residents to study and promote the ideas contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to the end that freedom, justice, and equality shall not perish but will flourish and be made available to all.

Unsigned Proclamation

A Resolution to Affirm that Black and Brown Lives Matter in the City of Beaverton

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

WHEREAS, the City of Beaverton is striving to become increasingly welcoming, inclusive, representative, and responsive to historically underrepresented and underserved communities, particularly communities of color, immigrants, and refugees; and

WHEREAS, elected officials of the city of Beaverton joined area leaders in condemning white supremacy, racism, and violence in the wake of recent local and national tragedies and affirming that 'We can, and will, build communities that shun hate, offer equitable opportunity and see our differences as cause for celebration, not division"; and

WHEREAS, Oregon has a history of underrepresented and oppressed Black and Brown residents originally stemming from the exclusionary clause of the Oregon State Constitution at the time statehood was granted; and

WHEREAS, data shows that in many parts of the country, Black and Brown people have a disproportionately high rate of interactions with law enforcement, including traffic searches and arrests, and alarming overrepresentation in the criminal justice system; and

WHEREAS, the City of Beaverton recognizes a continuing need to diversify the makeup of city staff so that it is representative of the community it serves, in which one in three people identify as a person of color; and

WHEREAS, deep racial disparities exist to this day that impact the wellbeing and success of diverse populations in Beaverton, where data shows that communities of color fare worse across all poverty indicators, with as much as 3.5 times the rate of poverty as white families; and

WHEREAS, Black and Brown residents of Beaverton have made valuable contributions to our community and to the social and economic fabric of Oregon; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., asked "So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice?"

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAVERTON, OREGON: That the City of Beaverton affirms that Black and Brown Lives Matter, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Beaverton commits to continuing to work to eliminate racial disparities and ensure that every Beaverton resident has the opportunity to thrive; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the City of Beaverton shall recognize every third Monday of January as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and each February as Black History Month; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the City of Beaverton shall recognize each September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.

Adopted by the Council the 1st day of May, 2018
Approved by the Mayor the 2nd day of May, 2018
Ayes = 3 | Nays = 1

Signed Resolution 4506