Town of Shelburne stands against Anti-Asian hate crimes

Media Release

March 25, 2021

Town of Shelburne issues statement relating to Anti-Asian hate crimes.

Following the violence that took the lives of eight people, including six women of Asian descent in Atlanta, USA, and in recognition of both the extreme rise of anti-Asian hate crimes and the increase in violence against women during the pandemic, the Town of Shelburne is advising that there is no place for hate, racism, misogyny, or violence in our community.

As we collectively process and grieve this tragic loss of life, we stand in solidarity with families and communities who experience violence, including those who are living within our community. We reaffirm that we will continue to name and take action and will not tolerate hate, racism, misogyny, and all forms of discrimination and violence
that affect our community. No one should feel unsafe, harassed or that they do not belong.

In response to concerns around gender-based violence, racism and discrimination, Town Council has established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee whose mandate is to provide insight, advice, and make recommendations to Council relating to the following:

• emerging equity or diversity issues or trends arising in the Town;
• initiatives to combat racism, acts of prejudice or hate in the Town;
• identifying systemic barriers faced in accessing Shelburne services, information, programs, and facilities;
• identifying systemic barriers to participation in public life and achievement of social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of residents;
• strategies for building connections and fostering a deeper sense of inclusion and belonging especially for marginalized groups;
• proposed Town of Shelburne initiatives, services, and policies to meet changing needs of a diverse community;
• employment and employee awareness policies, initiatives, and programs

We are defining our role and response to ongoing and systemic racism and the current rise in racist incidents. This includes publicly naming and standing against racism and hate, working with partners to do the same, and advocating for changes across all sectors of society, including our own ability to receive and respond to racist incidents.

Contacts:

Mayor Wade Mills                   Denyse Morrissey, CAO
wmills@shelburne.ca            dmorrissey@shelburne.ca