DRAFT

September 7, 2016

Re:  Black Lives Matter

To the Lawrence Community,

The City of Lawrence is one of a few cities in the United States that was founded on principles of freedom and acceptance. We have a long history of celebrating our commonalities as a community while still recognizing and respecting the differences that contribute to our varied histories, stories and heritage.  We also wish to recognize that our local community has seen significant racial tension resulting from, or contributing to, incidents in Lawrence’s history which cannot be ignored as part of a greater conversation about race relations.

As the elected body for the City of Lawrence, we recognize that racism, sexism and discrimination have affected people of color in adverse ways including access to education, health, housing, employment and economic opportunity.  Additionally, we acknowledge that there is a historical and continuing negative impact on people of color through disproportionate representation in the criminal justice system. As a city, we recognize and affirm that discrimination in any form is unacceptable and affirm our unanimous support of Black Lives Matter and those who are oppressed.   

Respectfully,

Mike Amyx, Mayor                                          Leslie Soden, Vice Mayor

Stuart Boley, Commissioner                              Matthew Herbert, Commissioner             

Lisa Larsen, Commissioner