Northampton City Council Resolution Withdrawing from ADL Program

October 4, 2007

Upon the recommendation of Mayor Mary Clare Higgins

WHEREAS, the Northampton City Council on September 21, 2000 voted unanimously to endorse a mayoral proclamation’s intent that the City, through its Human Rights Commission, become an active participant in the “No Place For Hate” Campaign; and

WHEREAS, the Northampton Human Rights Commission joined in good faith with the sponsors of the “No Place For Hate” Campaign: the Anti-Defamation League® (ADL) and the Massachusetts Municipal Association, in order to take specific actions to combat bias and promote respect for people; and

WHEREAS, the Northampton Human Rights Commission has investigated the situation whereby the Anti Defamation League® continues to deny the facts of the horrific Armenian Genocide. From 1915 to 1923 the premeditated, systematic and deliberate murders of more that one and one half million Armenians occurred; and

WHEREAS, the Armenian people continue to be deprived of the right to their history through the denial that this genocide ever took place; and

WHEREAS, The City of Northampton must not continue its affiliation with such an organization as ADL that promotes such a grievous denial.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED

That the City of Northampton hereby rescinds its partnership in the "No Place for Hate" Campaign co-sponsored by the Anti Defamation League®; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that although it withdraws from the aforementioned program, the City of Northampton hereby proclaims that it shall continue to celebrate its citizens’ diversity and shall continue to honor its tradition of tolerance and respect for all people for which it has always been known.