Lebanon
The city rejects “ALL ideologies based on hatred and intolerance, including racism, xenophobia and homophobia, and condemns activities that promote these ideologies,” according to the resolution, which was read by Councilor Karen Zook during Wednesday’s meeting.
The resolution goes on to also state city leaders’ support of “fundamental constitutional rights, human dignity and civil liberties of every person, regardless of race, skin color, national or ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, immigration status, religious or political opinion or activity, or housing status.”
The measure is meant to combat the messages left this spring on vehicles at Upper Valley Plaza on Route 12A, Mayor Sue Prentiss said in an audio recording of the meeting.
Lebanon police opened an investigation in early April into what they termed “racially charged” flyers found underneath the windshields of parked vehicles.
At least two people reported the flyers, which argued that “Aryans,” or white people, are superior to other races, police said at the time. The messages also featured numbers and symbols referencing Adolph Hitler.
City officials and community members quickly shared their outrage over the flyers during a meeting in late April, when Zook and Councilor Karen Liot Hill vowed to craft a statement in support of inclusiveness.
“They worked together to draft a resolution on behalf of the Council to address what is and always be an inclusive community here in the city of Lebanon,” Prentiss told those gathered in the council chambers on Wednesday night.
She later called the resolution a “line in the sand” that symbolized the city’s commitment to combating racist beliefs.
The resolution was met with praise from many who attended the meeting, including the Rev. Stephen Silver, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Lebanon.
“We think, given recent events, that this is an especially powerful statement for you to be making on behalf of our community, so thank you for doing this,” said Silver, who added that his congregation overwhelmingly supported the measure.
Lebanon resident Kathleen Beckett, who in April called on the Council to draft a statement, also expressed her appreciation.
“I too want to thank the Council for understanding that it’s very important to speak out.” she said. “Even if we have statutes on the books, when something happens that requires us to say something, we need to do it.”
Others asked the Council if it intends to take any further steps to combat racism. Neighboring Hartford sought ways to improve racial equity last year, when it formed a joint Committee on Racial Inequality. The group delivered several recommendations, including creation of a standing committee in town and multiyear plan, in April.
Prentiss replied that the resolution is all the Council is taking on for now, but there are talks to partner with groups on educational efforts. Those haven’t been finalized, however, she said.
Tim Camerato can be reached at tcamerato@vnews.com or 603-727-3223.