Message From Bloomington Mayor Hamilton Denouncing Hate, Extremism And Bigotry

Last updated on Friday, August 18, 2017

(BLOOMINGTON) - Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton message denouncing hate, extremism and bigotry.

"Today I'm joining over 200 mayors around the country in a Mayors' Compact to Combat Hate, Extremism, and Bigotry. I am gratified that so many local leaders are standing up and stating clearly that we will redouble our collective efforts to make this a 'more perfect union' by supporting and protecting fundamental civil rights and affirming the great strength that comes from our diversity and pluralism.

"Recently bigotry, racism, and radical extremism have reared their ugly heads in our country and some of our communities in dramatic ways. It is imperative that public leaders unequivocally denounce these as un-American and dangerous views and voices. I am glad to be among the mayors who do so and call on more leaders to join. We must demand that our federal government do the same.

"I appreciate the strong examples of thousands of Bloomingtonians who do the same every day to make clear that our community stands for inclusion, not division; for kindness and compassion, not hatred and intolerance; and that we welcome and celebrate the great diverse tapestry that is the American story embedded in both our past and our future.

"At this time of year Bloomington throws open its doors to welcome students and faculty from across the globe. In these days that will show our new residents who we are and what this community stands for, it is particularly incumbent upon us to share our culture of inclusion, acceptance and welcome to all who choose to call this place home."

The Mayors' Compact has 10 key components:

Expressly rejecting extremism, white supremacy and all forms of bigotry

Denouncing all acts of hate wherever they occur

Ensuring public safety while protecting free speech and other basic constitutional rights

Calling for fully-resourced law enforcement and civil rights investigations of domestic terrorism and hate crimes

Elevating and prioritizing anti-bias and anti-hate programs in our nation's schools

Supporting targeted communities and bringing together civic and community leaders to build trust

Celebrating diversity, promoting inclusivity and challenging bias

Promoting law enforcement training on responding to and reporting hate incidents, hate crimes and domestic terrorism

Encouraging residents in their communities to report hate incidents and crimes, including using hot lines and online tools

Maintaining civil rights enforcement and strengthening hate crime laws when necessary

To read the full Compact, visit mayorscompact.org/.

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