It is shocking, shameful, and unacceptable that Oakland County is hosting an event with a well-known anti-refugee, anti-Muslim activist affiliated with a national hate group. We thank Fifth-Third Bank for cancelling their sponsorship of an event that does not meet their standards for respect and inclusion.

If you live or work in Oakland County, call to let your leaders know you won't tolerate hate in your community: 248-858-1000

We were incredibly disappointed to learn of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson's intention to stop the resettlement of Syrian refugees in Oakland County. This was especially disheartening as the very unwelcoming announcement was made during Welcoming Week, a nation-wide event to bring together immigrants and U.S.-born residents in a spirit of unity. 

The County Executive's intention to "tap the brakes" on current resettlement efforts in the County also goes against the outpouring of compassion and support we see everyday from Oakland County residents and businesses who want to help provide a warm welcome for those fleeing violence and persecution. Oakland County has a long history of welcoming immigrants and refugees: 11.5% of the County population was born in another country and since WWII Oakland County has welcomed many Jewish, Vietnamese, Bosnian, Iraqi, and Syrian refugees.

We were further disheartened to see Oakland County's support of the Waterford Township Board of Trustees decision to pass a symbolic resolution against welcoming refugees to their community.

We thank the Jewish Community Relations Council for their statement in support of maintaining "the welcome mat for those who flee war and persecution to begin new lives in our community" and noting that "Oakland County is home to the majority of the Michigan Jewish community. We are keenly aware of a time in American history when Jewish refugees were turned away from America’s shores, not able to land after glimpsing America’s symbolic welcoming figure, the Statue of Liberty. We must not return to those ugly times."

Let the world know that Oakland County is truly welcoming! Join us in demonstrating that Oakland County residents and business owners have compassion for the plight of refugees and support local resettlement efforts. Show support for your refugee neighbors by signing this petition!

If you choose to display your signature on change.org when signing (note: this is not required), your signature will be shared with the Oakland County Executive's office, Oakland County Board of Commissioners, and the Waterford Township Board of Trustees.