WHEREAS, the Corvallis City Council 1998 adopted the 2020 Corvallis
Vision statement where-in the residents of Corvallis envision a community
that honors diversity and is free of prejudice, bigotry and hate; and

WHEREAS, the City of Corvallis wishes to heighten awareness and
sensitivity to the diversity of the residents of the city of Corvallis
and encourage the experience of our rich cultural, racial, and ethnic
differences; and

WHEREAS, it is an undeniable fact that elements of our past and current
history contain the persistent and deeply troubling legacy of
discrimination; and 

WHEREAS, Institutional Racism persists in American society and results
in privileges accorded to white people gained at the disadvantage of
non-white people and ultimately if left unredressed in meaningful ways
represent a failure that cheats us all; and

WHEREAS, Corvallis Council Policy 92-5.04 establishes policy regarding
hate/bias in the City of Corvallis; and

WHEREAS, Corvallis Municipal Code, Chapter 1.23 Section 1.23.010 sets
forth policy of the City "to eliminate discrimination based on race,
religion, color, sex, marital status, familial status, national origin,
age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation or source of
income. Such discrimination poses a threat to the health, safety and
general welfare of the citizens of Corvallis and menaces the
institutions and foundation of our community"; and

WHEREAS, Corvallis Municipal Code, Chapter 1.23 Section 1.23.020 states
"it is the intent of the City that no person be denied the equal
protection of the laws, nor shall any person be denied the enjoyment of
his/her civil or political rights or be discriminated against because of
race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, condition of
pregnancy, marital status, physical limitations, family
responsibilities, educational association, source of income or sexual
orientation or affectional preference."; and

WHEREAS, absent vigilant enforcement by city agencies these protected
classes are essentially without remedy or recourse outside costly legal
actions; and

WHEREAS, the threat of retaliation chills the individual's assertions of
their rights in the absence of meaningful guarantees that the City of
Corvallis will protect complainants. 

Now Therefore Be It Resolved we renew our firm and continued belief in
and support of programs and policies that seek meaningful remedies for
the victims of discrimination. 

Be it further resolved we acknowledge that elimination of discrimination
is an ongoing struggle that we must engage in diligently and
assertively, requiring a determination to erase the blight of
discrimination and bigotry from our city.

Further in support of Corvallis Municipal Code, Chapter 1.23 and Council
Policy 92-5.04 we resolve to make special efforts to reach out to those
who have historically been excluded because of race, religion, color,
sex, marital status, familial status, national origin, age, mental or
physical disability, sexual orientation or source of income, and pledge
enforcement of Chapter 1.23 Civil Rights and Council policy 92-5.04.

THEN BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED That this Honorable Body pledges to oppose
any and all efforts to divide those that live and work in Corvallis from
their civil rights. We shall honor diversity and support full public
participation. Only then can we remain a democratic society with a
productive workforce and a vibrant economy. - A resolution written by Tina C Empol, Councilor Ward 2

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