RESOLUTION NO. 6403-2022
Resolution of a Public Statement on Racism and Social Equity Whereas, In light of recent events – including the burning of a Black Lives Matter banner at our Sebastopol branch, the Sonoma County Library at their meeting of February 7, 2022, reiterated its values of condemning these crimes; condemning any attempt to silence or intimidate free expression; not tolerate racist or hateful behavior at any of the Library facilities; and commitment to being an antiracist organization; and Whereas, the City of Sebastopol stands with the Sonoma County Library and our local Sebastopol Branch and states to those in our community who have been hurt by racism, bigotry, prejudice, misunderstanding and hate: we see you, we hear you, we stand with you, and, as we look outward to help our communities heal, we pledge to continue looking inward, and to face unflinchingly the truths in our own system; and Whereas, Racism must not just be condemned, but its eradication must be actively pursued. Regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, veteran status, or age, we must all stand with those who suffer oppression and engage against exclusion and inequality. Hate has no place in this community; and Whereas, to achieve the change we wish to see, we must take accountability for the ways we have hurt our community by maintaining the status quo and we must commit to providing racially equitable service by eliminating practices and procedures that contribute to systemic racism; and Whereas, City Council reaffirms its commitment to principles of equality and freedom for all people and commits to work to use all available tools to assist in the elimination of racial and social disparities and to promote equity within the City; and
Whereas, the City of Sebastopol commits to working regionally with Sonoma County Library and Sebastopol Library Branch in unity to promote equality through education and events in the City.
The above and foregoing Resolution was duly passed, approved, and adopted at a meeting by the City Council on the 15th day of February 2022, by the following vote:
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by City of Sebastopol City Council following a roll call vote:
VOTE:
Ayes: Councilmembers Glass, Gurney, Rich, Vice Mayor Hinton and Mayor Slayter Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
APPROVED:
Mayor Patrick Slayter
ATTEST: ______________________________
Mary Gourley, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, MMC
Larry McLaughlin, City Attorney
Resolution of a public statement
on racism and social equity
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Library stands with Black Lives Matter and our community in calling for peaceful, yet powerful action to turn the tide of systemic racism and begin the transition to a just and sustainable society; and WHEREAS, the library states to those in our community who have been hurt by racism, bigotry, prejudice, misunderstanding and hate: we see you, we hear you, we stand with you, and, as we look outward to help our communities heal, we pledge to continue looking inward, and to face unflinchingly the truths in our own system; and WHEREAS, it is not enough to eschew racism, we must all be anti-racists; and WHEREAS, to achieve the change we wish to see, we must take accountability for the ways we have hurt our community by maintaining the status quo and we must commit to providing racially equitable service by eliminating practices and procedures that contribute to systemic racism; and
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Library represents the communities we serve, and we must continue working towards the creation of the equitable and inclusive library we envisioned in our 2017 Statement of Inclusivity, which reads as follows; Public libraries have long been known as one of the truly democratic institutions.
Public libraries champion First Amendment rights and promote free access to information for all. Public libraries offer services and educational resources that promote inclusion and diversity to all in the community. In light of the uncertainty many feel in our current society, we reaffirm: Sonoma County Library values diversity, empowerment, community, unity, kindness, connection, and equity. Sonoma County Library provides service to all races, all genders, all sexual orientations, all religions, all abilities, all ages, all national or ethnic origins, all languages, all citizenship statuses, all economic statuses, all political affiliations, all people. Sonoma County Library is an inclusive community hub where people intersect and thrive.
LIBRARIES ARE FOR EVERYONE
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SONOMA COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION:
That the commission hereby expresses its support for the statements and values in this resolution.
Deborah Doyle, Chair
February 7, 2022
Ann Hammond, Director
February 7, 2022