Declaration Against Threats of Violence and Hate Speech in Whatcom County

Whereas, the revised Code of the State of Washington defines a hate crime as a criminal offense against a person or property motivated by an offender’s bias against a group or persons due to their “race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or mental, physical, or sensory handicap” (RCW 9A.36.080);

Whereas, an increasing number of individuals are being targeted by harassment and hate crimes locally, as well as nationally;

Whereas, immigrants are under increasing threat of deportation, including being taken from their work places and communities, separated from their families;

Whereas, white nationalist posters have been placed in Ferndale and confederate flags have been seen in various places throughout the county, causing individuals experiencing these actions to live in fear of leaving their homes; 

Whereas, there is an escalation of white supremacist activity nationally;

Whereas, every member of the human race has the right to be treated with dignity and to live without fear of violence, intimidation, or discrimination based on group identification or personal characteristics,

The Whatcom Human Rights Task Force calls upon our neighbors, educational institutions, businesses, religious leaders, government officials, and local law enforcement to develop strategies and actions to stop the rise of threats of violence and symbols of hate speech in our community, and to take further steps to ensure that Whatcom County is a place where citizens experience inclusion, acceptance and love.

We invite members of all communities in Whatcom County to sign on to this declaration.

Declaration Against Threats of Violence and Hate Speech in Whatcom County

Whereas, the revised Code of the State of Washington defines a hate crime as a criminal offense against a person or property motivated by an offender’s bias against a group or persons due to their “race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or mental, physical, or sensory handicap” (RCW 9A.36.080);

Whereas, an increasing number of individuals are being targeted by harassment and hate crimes locally, as well as nationally;

Whereas, immigrants are under increasing threat of deportation, including being taken from their work places and communities, separated from their families;

Whereas, white nationalist posters have been placed in Ferndale and confederate flags have been seen in various places throughout the county, causing individuals experiencing these actions to live in fear of leaving their homes; 

Whereas, there is an escalation of white supremacist activity nationally;

Whereas, every member of the human race has the right to be treated with dignity and to live without fear of violence, intimidation, or discrimination based on group identification or personal characteristics,

The Whatcom Human Rights Task Force calls upon our neighbors, educational institutions, businesses, religious leaders, government officials, and local law enforcement to develop strategies and actions to stop the rise of threats of violence and symbols of hate speech in our community, and to take further steps to ensure that Whatcom County is a place where citizens experience inclusion, acceptance and love.

We invite members of all communities in Whatcom County to sign on to this declaration.

**your signature**

368 signatures

   

Latest Signatures
368 Adrienne R. General Manager, Community Food Co-op Sep 16, 2019
367 Julie S. Sep 16, 2019
366 Melissa M. Sep 11, 2019
365 Alex V. Sep 11, 2019
364 Kelly K. Sep 11, 2019
363 Danene P. Sep 07, 2019
362 Fay S. Sep 06, 2019
361 Judy B. Sep 06, 2019
360 Cheryl A. n/a Sep 06, 2019
359 L. Ann S. Sep 06, 2019
358 Adonia C. Sep 06, 2019
357 Alexis W. Sep 06, 2019
356 Heather O. Sep 06, 2019
355 Irene L. Sep 06, 2019
354 Brendan G. Sep 06, 2019
353 Britta N. Sep 06, 2019
352 Elizabeth F. Sep 06, 2019
351 Gudlaug H. Retired Teacher FHS Sep 05, 2019
350 Steve B. Sep 05, 2019
349 Terry B. Retired (twice) Sep 05, 2019
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