Diversity Resolution Adopted by Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted today to adopt a diversity resolution after residents expressed concerns about increasing bias-related incidents and federal immigration enforcement.

The resolution reaffirmed Fairfax County's policy on diversity and inclusion and encouraged people to report bias-related incidents to the police. It is also a reminder that the county is not responsible for immigration enforcement, except in serious criminal cases when required by federal authorities.

“Fairfax County is a welcoming and accepting community where residents of all backgrounds deserve to feel respected and safe," Board Chair Sharon Bulova said in the board matter. "It is important that we, as local leaders, speak out when our constituents are concerned regarding policies or practices that may affect them. We are a safe, diverse and caring community, and if that harmony is threatened, I believe we have a duty to speak out and clearly articulate our values.”

The community has rallied behind victims of recent hate crimes and speech. After a family was robbed and found an anti-Muslim slur on their their wall last week, a neighbor has raised over $19,000 for them online.

Over 250 residents attended a community forum in March to address hate crimes and hate speech-related incidents. Faith leaders and other community members addressed a rise in bias-related incidents and how the community can respond. Bulova announced her intent to introduce the county resolution at the forum.

Find the full resolution below:

Whereas, Fairfax County is and will continue to be a County that exemplifies values of respect and acceptance;

Whereas, we welcome and celebrate one another’s differences and cultural backgrounds;

Whereas, while immigration is a federal matter, Fairfax County does partner with federal authorities on serious criminal matters when required;

Whereas, we do not ask, nor do we have the resources for, our police officers to become immigration officials, nor for Fairfax County to assume the responsibilities of federal immigration officials;

Whereas, Fairfax County Police successfully engage in community policing, which requires the trust of residents who are not afraid to call law enforcement if their safety is at risk, or to report information that may help to solve a crime;

Whereas, it is the responsibility of our police officers to ensure the safety of Fairfax County residents through community policing rather than through immigration enforcement;

Whereas, Fairfax County Public Schools complies with the federally mandated requirements that we educate all children, regardless of immigration status;

Whereas, the School Board is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all children in our public school system and Fairfax County Public Schools values the richly diverse backgrounds of our students and families;

Whereas, Fairfax County’s diversity makes our community strong and vibrant, and we are proud of what every resident has to offer;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors does hereby affirm our strong commitment to maintaining a community culture that values and celebrates the similarities as well as the differences among our neighbors.

Image via Fairfax County Board of Supervisors