17 - Resolution Concerning White Unity Conference - condemns the use of the name Paris Texaspdf

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Item No. 17 ft�M 01 RIIR�� TO: City Council Grayson Path, City Manager FROM: Stephanie H. Harris, City Attorney SUBJECT: RESOLUTION CONCERNING "WHITE UNITY CONFERENCE" DATE: February 8, 2021 BACKGROUND: It has come to the attention of city officials that a group calling itself the Church of the KKK, an organization with chapters in several cities in the south and southeastern part of the United States, has planned a "white unity conference" for October. The online advertisement for this event states that it is to be held in Paris, Texas, and that it is open to all white power groups. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the KKK, "with its history of violence, is the oldest and most infamous of American hate groups. Although Black Americans have typically been the Klan's primary target, it also has attacked Jews, immigrants, members of the LGBTQ community and, until recently, Catholics." According to media reports, the conference is actually scheduled to take place on private property outside the city limits. STATUS OF ISSUE: City officials have received several requests for comment from the media and other quarters, and Mayor Clifford has asked that I draft the attached proposed resolution for council consideration and possible adoption. BUDGET: N/A RECOMMENDATION: Consider and possibly pass and adopt the attached resolution.