Referred to: The Laws and Rules, Governmental Services Committee (Chairman

Roberts and Legislators Belfiglio, Donaldson, R. Parete and Rodriguez)

Legislator Jennifer Schwartz Berky and Legislators Allen, Bartels, Delaune,

Donaldson, Greene, Heppner, Loughran, J. Parete and Rodriguez offer the following:

WHEREAS the United States was founded by immigrants, many fleeing

religious persecution, who enshrined freedom of religion as one of our nation’s

fundamental legal and ethical principles; and

 WHEREAS, the history of Islam in the United States began even before its

founding when African Muslims were enslaved and brought to the Americas, where

they later helped in numerous ways to build this country, including sacrificing their

lives on the line in every major war from the Revolutionary War on; and

WHEREAS there are more than 3 million Muslims living in the United States

today, and approximately 1,522 living in the County of Ulster, making invaluable

contributions to our economy, our social and political life, and our culture; and

 WHEREAS there has been an unprecedented backlash since 9/11 in the form

of hate crimes and employment discrimination toward Arab and Muslim Americans

and those perceived as Muslims; and

WHEREAS Arab and Muslim Americans, and those perceived as Muslims,

are frequently the targets of abusive and discriminatory police practices sanctioned

by the state including surveillance in their neighborhoods and places of worship; and

 WHEREAS we are saddened and outraged at the recent escalation of hateful

rhetoric against Muslims, those perceived to be Muslims, immigrants, and all people

of color, and we are particularly concerned to see political figures and elected

government officials leading this escalation and using it in order to gain power; and

 WHEREAS in the face of extreme bigotry and violence, Muslim communities

and their leaders are using the language and teachings of Islam to promote peace and

justice and service, and their institutions are continuing to play an essential societal

role providing charitable and humanitarian services to those in need; and

 WHEREAS we, as elected representatives of the people, have a special

responsibility not to stay silent in the face of hate violence and discrimination against

any of our constituents or countrymen; now, therefore be it 

RESOLVED, the Ulster County Legislature condemns all hateful speech and

violent action directed at Muslims, those perceived to be Muslims, immigrants and

people of color; and, be it further

RESOLVED, the Ulster County Legislature categorically rejects political

tactics that use fear to manipulate voters or to gain power or influence; and, be it

further

RESOLVED, the Ulster County Legislature commits to pursuing a policy

agenda that affirms civil and human rights, and ensures that those targeted on the

basis of race, religion or immigration status can turn to government without fear of

recrimination, and, be it further

RESOLVED, the Ulster County Legislature reaffirms the value of a pluralistic

society, the beauty of a culture composed of multiple cultures, and the inalienable

right of every person to live and practice their faith without fear,

and moves its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES: NOES:

Postponed in Committee: Laws and Rules, Governmental Services on October 18,

2016

Passed Committee: Laws and Rules, Governmental Services on _____________.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

NONE