17 - Resolution Concerning White Unity Conference - condemns the use of the name Paris TexaspdfItem No. 17
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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.
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS WITH
RESPECT TO PLANNED CHURCH OF THE KU KLUX KLAN WHITE UNITY
CONFERENCE; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO
THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Council has become aware of a "White Unity Conference" allegedly
planned by the Church of the Ku Klux Klan for October 9, 2021 on private property outside the city
limits; and
WHEREAS, the online advertisement for said conference states that it will be held in "Paris,
Texas," which, according to reports in the media, is untrue; and
WHEREAS, said advertisement states that "all pro -white patriot organizations welcomed";
and
WHEREAS, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the KKK, and groups affiliated
therewith, "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."; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is proud of the diversity of the residents of the city, and the city
has proudly participated in diversity related community events; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Paris, Texas does not condone hate groups or
bigotry of any kind; and
WHEREAS, the City Council condemns the use of the name of "Paris, Texas," in connection
with the "White Unity Conference" as being untrue and as besmirching the name of the city; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS,
TEXAS, THAT:
Section 1. The findings set out in the preamble to this resolution are hereby in all things
approved.
Section 2. The City Council disapproves of the "White Unity Conference" allegedly scheduled
by the Church of the Ku Klux Klan for October 9, 2 02 1, to be held outside the city limits on private
property.
Section 3. The City of Paris does not condone hate groups or bigotry of any kind; and
Section 4. The City Council hereby condemns the use of the name "Paris, Texas" in
promotional materials for said conference and hereby requests that organizers remove that name
from said materials.
Section 5. This resolution shall become effective from and after the date of passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 8th day of February, 2 02 1.
Steven J. Clifford, M.D., Mayor
ATTEST:
Janice Ellis, City Clerk
APPROVED AT TO FORM:
Stephanie H. Harris, City Attorney