We want the City Council of Woodland, WA to take a clear anti-racist stance by passing a version of the resolution below. If you agree, sign this petition. If you're a Woodland resident, please make sure to include your ZIP code with your signature. We will be bringing the signatures on this petition to the city council to show community support for this resolution.

A resolution relating to eliminating systemic racism and injustice in the city of Woodland, Washington

WHEREAS, Woodland is a vibrant community made better by the diversity of our citizens. All who live here, work here, and enjoy spending time in Woodland should be free from racism and injustice.

WHEREAS, the Woodland City Council strives to ensure all feel safe and welcome in our community. As a city of over 6,500 residents, we must all work toward the same goal each day.

WHEREAS, the deaths of George Floyd, Manuel Ellis, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others across this country are shocking and upsetting. Systemic racism in our country has existed for far too long, with tragic and deadly consequences. This must end, and each of us must do our part to ensure that it does stop.

WHEREAS, it is natural to focus on law enforcement, but racism is not confined to law enforcement activities. The Woodland City Council extends our deepest sympathies to all those that have been affected by racially motivated violence and discrimination in any form. Discrimination is traumatic and unacceptable. The grief, pain, and anger we feel can easily be targeted at certain individuals, but we must not forget that we all are responsible for ending the violence. We are all responsible for ending racism.

WHEREAS, Americans across the nation have recently demonstrated in protest and expressed anger at the continuing racism in our country. The Woodland City Council supports peaceful protests that are an important exercise in free speech and assembly. Protests are bringing about much-needed discussions on the role of law enforcement and the pervasiveness of systemic racism in our country. These are critical and necessary steps to bringing about change, and this dialogue must continue in our city and our nation.

WHEREAS, Woodland is not only a government, we are also an employer. We are dedicated to diversity and inclusion within our workforce. Our government must serve all of our citizens, and we are most effective at doing so when our workforce represents the community we serve – racially, ethnically, and linguistically. Our city is committed to building and supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we publicly renew that commitment today.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE WOODLAND CITY COUNCIL, AS FOLLOWS:

The Woodland City Council condemns racism in any form, and believes that the long term, systemic solution to the problems of implicit bias, institutional racism, and bigotry can and should be addressed through intentional acts. Building a truly equitable and inclusive community requires everyone to work together. We encourage all to consider inherent biases and racism, and work to eliminate these from our hearts and minds. Additionally, this City Council commits itself to be deliberate and intentional in its efforts to engage the community in constructive, honest, and substantive dialogue to better understand where inequities exist and to adopt policies to eliminate them. These actions must be concrete and intended to bring about real change, and we will consistently measure our success or failure to bring it about. This City Council is committed to a safe and healthy environment where everyone can thrive, and we urge all city residents to join us in this crucial, ongoing effort.