Inclusive Community

The City of  Peekskill demonstrated its commitment to diversity and inclusivity by adopting a formal resolution on December 27, 2016, affirming the city's dedication to fostering a welcoming community for all residents.

RESOLUTION AFFIRMING PEEKSKILL’S COMMITMENT TO BE AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY AND 

ENCOURAGING OTHER JURISDICTIONS AND ELECTED LEADERS TO DO THE SAME

WHEREAS, the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences of all Americans – whether native-born or immigrant – demonstrably make this nation and its communities richer and stronger; and

WHEREAS, the City of Peekskill is proud to protect the civil rights and liberties of all of our residents, to partner with community leaders to speak out against human injustices and abuses, and to welcome immigrants to our community; and

WHEREAS, Peekskill has long advocated for public policies at all levels of government that promote the inclusion, equity, health, and well-being of all who live in our community; and

WHEREAS, Peekskill strives to be inclusive in our City government through equitable hiring practices, recruitment, and appointment of diverse members to serve on advisory boards and commissions, and in our communications and policies; and 

WHEREAS, the City of Peekskill’s past and current work includes numerous examples of efforts to embrace and support diversity and inclusion; and 

WHEREAS, despite our community’s collective and persistent efforts to create an inclusive and supportive community, some still do not feel welcome, included, or safe in Peekskill; and

WHEREAS, some in this community continue to experience discrimination, harassment, and intimidation based on their cultural, religious, or personal beliefs, identities, and practices; and

WHEREAS, even those of us who never personally encounter discrimination or acts of hatred, suffer because of its deleterious effects on our neighbors and community; and

WHEREAS, recent inflammatory rhetoric has sparked hateful and hurtful language and actions against immigrants and people of certain religious faiths, personal beliefs , identities and ethnic groups, causing local concerns that we must explicitly restate our intentions, beliefs, and values regarding inclusivity;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that the City of Peekskill re-affirms its commitment to be an inclusive community, and explicitly welcomes all residents regardless of age, race, ethnicity, country or culture of origin, sexual orientation/gender identity, ability, religious preference, income, or political affiliation; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the City of Peekskill re-affirms its commitment to work with local partners to pursue policies and programs that improve our community’s support for all its residents and encourages other jurisdictions and their elected leaders to do the same; and be further

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.