HomeMy WebLinkAbout3968 Resolution - Right of Peaceful AssemblyRESOLUTION NO. 3968
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON REAFFIRMING
THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY.
WHEREAS, in hearing the community's grief and outrage regarding the homicide of Mr. George
Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25, 2020, and what is a long list of other unjust deaths,
the City Council of the City of Pasco, on June 1, 2020, established a subcommittee of
Councilmembers to consult with Pasco community leaders on a Resolution reaffirming the right
of peaceful assembly; and
WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges that despite the great American ideals of life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness, these have historically and continually been denied to some based
solely based on race throughout the country; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pasco thus reaffirms the right of peaceful protest, especially for, in the
words of General James Mattis, those "people of conscience who are insisting that we live up to
our values — our values as people and our values as a nation" through peaceful protest here in
Pasco; and
WHEREAS, Section 4 of the Washington State Constitution declares, "The right of petition and
of the people peaceably to assemble for the common good shall never be abridged"; and
WHEREAS, this right to assemble for peaceful protest must be free from threats or intimidation
per the laws of the State of Washington and the City of Pasco is committed to uphold this right
rigorously; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pasco, in Resolution 3820, passed in February 2018, declared that "the
City of Pasco has historically been the home for diverse cultures within our region, creating its
unique character and opportunities, as well as a source of pride for all who live here"; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 3820 also declared that, "the City Council of the City of Pasco desires to
protect and encourage our diverse culture, as well as to protect the constitutional rights of its
citizens, including the right to be free of discriminatory practices and the fair application of law
and to demonstrate that Pasco is a welcoming and inclusive City, where laws apply equally to all
who live here, and where individuals, families and businesses are welcome"; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 3820 also declared that, "the City Council of the City of Pasco is honored
to serve the entire community, and seeks to provide equal protection to our residents and access to
all of the City's services to those that live here"; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes, after the events surrounding the police -involved death
of Mr. Antonio Zambrano in 2015, the community's constructive engagement, peaceful protest,
and commitment to dialogue, which contributed to positive police reform; and
Resolution — Peaceful Assembly - 1
WHEREAS, these community efforts have resulted in an updated use of force policy, body -worn
cameras, embedded mental health workers, increased comprehensive training, state and national
accreditation, and many other structural changes, which have made the Pasco Police Department
a model of Community -Oriented Policing; and
WHEREAS, the Pasco City Council, by oath or affirmation, pledged to uphold and support the
Constitutions of the United States of America and the State of Washington, as well as the laws of
the State of Washington, and hereby reaffirms its firm commitment to do so for the equal benefit
and safety of all of the people of Pasco.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO, DOES
RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Reaffirmation of Resolution 3820. The City of Pasco reaffirms the intent of Resolution
3820 for Pasco to be an Inclusive City, committed to embracing diversity and promoting equality
among our workforce, residents, businesses, and visitors.
Section 2. Declaration of the City Council. The City of Pasco upholds the right of the people to
peaceful assembly without fear of illegal intimidation, as enshrined in the Constitution of the
United States of America, Washington State Constitution, and the laws of the State of Washington.
Section 3. Pledge of the City Council. The City Council of the City of Pasco pledges to engage
with the community in open and honest dialogue to shape the future of the City and increase
cultural competence and understanding across the City, especially with people of color who have
been subject to historic inequities and injustices, to meet the goals of Resolution 3820 of embracing
diversity and promoting equality.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington this 1�_ day of JML,
2020.
Saul Martinez
Mayor
ATTEST:
Debra Barham, CMC
City Clerk
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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