CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
title
A RESOLUTION condemning harassment, threats, and political violence against elected officials, election workers, those seeking elected office, and other public servants.
body
WHEREAS, at a time of increased political violence and divisive politics around the country, personal attacks, intimidation, and threats directed at community members working in politics and anyone at any level of government are unacceptable; and
WHEREAS, according to a National League of Cities (NLC) report in 2021, 81 percent of local elected officials of all races and genders surveyed reported having experienced harassment, threats, and violence themselves; and
WHEREAS, far too often women and people of color in elected office or seeking office are targeted by violence and harassment across the country, and face disproportionally more personal online attacks than their white male counterparts, regardless of party affiliation or political party; and
WHEREAS, these violent threats are also escalating in the community, with hate crimes on the rise nationally since 2014, particularly against women, women of color, non-binary and gender non-conforming persons of color, and communities of color; and
WHEREAS, personal attacks, physical assault, intimidation or threats directed at elected officials, election workers, candidates, other public servants, their children, and their families have no place in our City or our democracy; and
WHEREAS, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has resources for survivors of traumatic events and for those seeking resources and recourse; and
WHEREAS, everybody deserves to be and feel safe, and there is real work that must be done to actualize this truth; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE THAT:
Section 1. The Seattle City Council does hereby fully condemn violent threats, and bigoted or xenophobic attacks, against community members, election workers, elected officials, and other public servants, including our City and County colleagues, our State Legislators, and our Congressional representatives, in addition to those seeking elected office.
Adopted by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2022, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this ________ day of _________________________, 2022.
____________________________________
President ____________ of the City Council
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2022.
____________________________________
Elizabeth M. Adkisson, Interim City Clerk
(Seal)