Beaverton Restates Commitment to Diversity

Saying that we are living in a "time of uncertainty and great polarization," city officials in Beaverton have written an open letter to residents affirming their belief that theirs is a "safe and welcoming community.

"We vigorously reject hateful rhetoric and acts of violence and intimidation based on identity, and declare that they have no place in our city," said the letter signed by Mayor Denny Doyle and the four other members of the city council - Lacey Beaty, Betty Bode, Mark Fagin, and Marc San Soucie.

"Beaverton is proud to be known as one of the safest and most diverse cities in our region," the officials wrote. "With strong neighborhoods, schools, and civic participation, we have become
a vibrant and growing community that is home to families of all backgrounds."

The city's diversity advisory board also sent an open letter to the community.

"There have been many hurtful words and acts across our nation through the latest election and after," they wrote. "Most important, harassment and intimidation of community members including: people with disabilities, immigrants, the LGBTQ community and marginalized people of color including our Latino/a and Muslim brothers and sisters.

"We have seen these things not only occur in our neighborhoods, but with our children - and no community should tolerate that behavior."

Photo Colin Miner