Press release from the city of Asheville:
In the wake of the tragic events in Charlottesville, Va., the Asheville community condemns the actions of people who espouse hate speak against any race or ethnicity, and especially those who promote white supremacy.
Let us be clear that inclusion and diversity are core values of the City of Asheville. City Council’s Vision 2036 promotes our city as a diverse community, one that values cultural diversity and social and economic equity. The City recently embarked on an equity initiative with the hiring of the City’s first Equity and Inclusion Manager.
In 2013, the Asheville City Council adopted a “Resolution Endorsing the Protection of Civil Liberties for all Citizens.” In this resolution, the Council affirms its pledge to “uphold the constitutional rights and civil liberties of any and all persons…and to protect against discrimination on the basis of race, skin color, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, immigration status, religious or political opinion or activity, or homed or homeless status.”
As Mayor of Asheville, I will continue to stand up for the civil liberties and human rights of all people in our community.
Read a copy of the resolution here:
Resolution Endorsing the Protection of Civil Liberties for all Citizens
… and also let us be clear in our inclusion and diversity that those who continue to erase history by removing historical monuments are the cause of this. Stop erasing history and watch the violence stop.
Surprised this did not happen on a bigger scale in New Orleans, having removed several statues already. It’s a national DISGRACE.