A pledge to recognize the hurt caused by hate speech, and to recommit to a hate-free town

A PLEDGE TO RECOGNIZE THE HURT CAUSED BY HATE SPEECH, AND TO RECOMMIT TO A HATE-FREE TOWN OF BROOKLINE

WHEREAS in 2010 a racial epithet used by an employee of the Town of Brookline was recorded on Gerald Alston's cellular telephone voicemail, and was heard by Gerald Alston; and

WHEREAS, for the purposes of this resolution, "hate speech" includes, but is not limited to, epithets and slurs that disparage a person's race, religion, ethnic heritage, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity; and

WHEREAS it should be recognized that hate speech, as defined in this resolution, includes the racial epithet heard by Mr. Alston in 2010; and

WHEREAS it should be recognized by all employees, appointees and elected officials of the Town of Brookline that the Town is obligated to maintain its workplaces free of hate speech and other behaviors that could create a hostile environment for our workforce; and

WHEREAS it is unacceptable for residents of Brookline and/or visitors to Brookline to be subjected to hate speech attributable to any employee, appointee, or elected official of the Town of Brookline;

NOW, THEREFORE, "BE IT RESOLVED: that we, the Brookline Town Meeting Members who approve this resolution, express individually and collectively our profound regret to Gerald Alston for the hurt caused by the racial epithet he received on his voicemail in 2010; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that we pledge to engage in serious introspection, reflection, and open dialogue and to carry out our commitment to help ensure that no employee, appointee or resident of Brookline, or any person passing through Brookline, shall experience any hate speech that is attributable to any employee, appointee, or elected official of the Town of Brookline.