WHEREAS, the United States in experiencing the highest levels of violent hate crimes on record, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigations latest hate crime report; Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center – that intimidate entire communities and tear at the founding ideals of our nation; and

WHEREAS, the month of October is designated as Hate Crimes Awareness Month to amplify the national conversation on how to prevent hate and foster an inclusive democracy where each of us feels safe and welcome in our communities; and

WHEREAS, hate based crimes in our own city, that include bomb threats, vandalism, and physical violence continue to impact our residents and communities, especially communities of color, LGBTQIA+ communities and religious minority communities; and

WHEREAS, on this day, October 20, 2023, the Community Partners Against Hate formally announce the Salt Lake “Speak Up and Stand Up Against Hate” campaign to mobilize our entire city to be upstanders and allies against hate. I, as mayor, call on our city’s religious, educational, and business institutions as well as all levels and branches of government and all Salt Lake City residents to join this movement and to speak up, stand up, and to report all hate incidents and crimes. By working together, as partners against hate, we can ensure that our city is a place where all people feel valued, safe, and accepted,
and intolerance and bigotry do not have a home; and

WHEREAS, our community’s success depends on making sure that threats and acts of violence based on hate are not encouraged, tolerated, or ignored. Let us come together to create a city that stands as a beacon of civility and acceptance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, do hereby proclaim October 20, 2023, as:

Speak Up and Stand Up Against Hate Day in Salt Lake City

May this day be the first in the campaign to eradicate hate in our city, state, and nation.

To view the electronically signed copy of the proclamation click here.