FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Mayor and City Council unanimously approved a letter denouncing the recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia by white supremacists and nationalists at its meeting on Monday, Aug. 21.
In addition to denouncing the events in Charlottesville, the letter called upon elected officials throughout the country to act to protect the rights of all individuals and to work to create a culture of inclusivity and respect for all. Bigotry, hate and discrimination are not American values, nor ones that are welcome in Flagstaff.
“The City of Flagstaff stands with Charlottesville, Virginia in opposition to those who espouse and promote hate and bigotry. Hate has no home in Flagstaff,” said Mayor Coral Evans. “We were deeply saddened by the events of August 12 and offer our sincere condolences to the families of Heather Heyer, Lt. H. Jay Cullen and Trooper Berke M. M. Bates. We cannot, should not and will not stand by quietly or ignore this type of hate speech or actions that seek to divide us as a community or a nation.”
The City of Flagstaff’s stated mission is to “Protect and enhance the quality of life for all.” Approval of this letter supports that mission by denouncing hateful rhetoric and violence and supporting diversity and the rights of all citizens.