Cites ADL Opposition to Armenian Genocide Legislation
ANCEM Press Release
September 12, 2007
Newton, MA - The Newton Human Rights Commission, last night, unanimously voted to "immediately cease participation in the ADL's NPFH [No Place for Hate] program, until the national ADL fully and unequivocally recognizes the Armenian Genocide and actively supports Congressional resolution HR106," reported the Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts (ANC-EM). The recommendation will be presented to Newton Mayor David Cohen, who, according to the Boston Globe, has stated that he will make a final decision in the next few days.
"We commend the Newton Human Rights Commission for their principled position in opposing any connection with the ADL until they forthrightly acknowledge the Armenian Genocide and support Armenian Genocide legislation," stated ANC EM representative Sonya Merian. "We must send a clear message to the national ADL that half- measures are not acceptable when discussing the Armenian Genocide."
Over 100 community members and activists from diverse backgrounds voiced strident concern about any association with the ADL, given their opposition to Armenian Genocide legislation. New England ADL representatives urged the Commission to continue with the project, noting that the national ADL will review Congressional Resolution support in November. In addressing the Commission, Mayor Cohen referred to the national ADL's position "an ongoing injustice" and went on to state that "The resolution that we have in the U.S. Congress is one of the best pieces of legislation that deserves passage . . . it is incumbent on the ADL to support it."
Two weeks prior to this meeting, on August 21st, the Newton Human Rights Commission held a special meeting to discuss the ADL controversy. The Commission sent a letter to the New England ADL Board stipulating that program participation would require the national ADL to "fully and unequivocally recognize the Armenian Genocide" and "actively support Congressional resolution HR106."
Towns throughout Massachusetts are reconsidering their affiliation with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and its "No Place for Hate" programs, citing concerns about the ADL's opposition to Armenian Genocide recognition.
A listing of towns and actions taken to date is provided below.
For complete coverage surrounding this ongoing controversy visit: www.noplacefordenial.com
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Bedford: On Tuesday, September 4th, the Bedford ViolencePrevention Coalition voted to call on the national ADL to provide clarification on their position on the Armenian Genocide and ongoing opposition to Congressional Armenian Genocide legislation (H.Res.106 / S.Res.106). The committee agreed that it would then proceed accordingly, yet maintained that severing its ties with the ADL was still very much on the table.
Arlington: On Monday, August 20th, during an emergency meeting of the Arlington "No Place for Hate" Commission, Chairwoman Cindy Friedman and the 12 member Executive Board members voted to suspend the ongoing ADL NPFH certification process, citing the ADL's Armenian Genocide denial. In a written statement issued following the meeting, the commission noted that "while we agree with the program's goals, we feel that recent statements and actions of the national leadership have undermined its integrity and ability to be effective."
Belmont: On Thursday, September 6th, the Belmont Human Rights Commission unanimously voted to urge the local Board of Selectmen to sever ties with the ADL, citing their ongoing opposition to Armenian Genocide recognition. The Board of Selectmen is set to discuss the issue at their meeting on Monday, September 17th at 7:00pm.
Needham: On Wednesday, September 5th, the Needham Human Rights Committee voted to recommend ending the town's association with the ADL if the national organization does not directly recognize the Armenian Genocide and change its stance on Congressional legislation (H.Res.106 / S.Res.106). The Committee has sent a letter to the national ADL asking for clarification of their position.
Newburyport: On Tuesday, August 28th, the Newburyport Commission for Diversity and Tolerance voted to send a letter to the national ADL stating that it is "seriously considering" withdrawing from the ADL-sponsored No Place For Hate program unless the league unambiguously acknowledges the Armenian Genocide and lobbies in support of Congressional Armenian Genocide legislation (H.Res.106 / S.Res.106). The Commission is set to revisit the issue on Tuesday, September 11th at 3:00pm at the Newburyport Police Station.
Watertown: On Tuesday, August 14th, the Watertown Town Council unanimously voted to rescind its affiliation with the "No Place for Hate" anti-racism and tolerance promotion program, citing statements denying the Armenian Genocide by Abraham Foxman, National Director of the program's sponsor, the Anti-Defamation League. Watertown Town Council Member Marilyn Petitto-Devaney has been speaking at local town meetings throughout Massachusetts urging them to sever ties with the ADL as well.
NEWTON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION VOTES TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE PARTICIPATION IN "NO PLACE FOR HATE"
