Could Charlottesville happen in Burlington? Why celebrating diversity remains essential

I've recently been approached by residents who watched in horror, as we all did, when racial hate exploded into a tragic loss of life in Charlottesville, Virginia; they wondered what policies Burlington had in place for use of public spaces.The most relevant policy is our Zero Tolerance policy. The policy aims to ensure "measures are in place so that incidents of violence or inappropriate behaviour do not occur in its programs, facilities and properties."The principle is that everyone from organizers to participants, has "the right to be safe and to feel safe while attending a program, facility or property."Unacceptable behaviour in city facilities (including parks) includes, but is not limited to:

• violence or vandalism
• racial or ethnic slurs
• loud verbal assaults directed at participants, referees, members of the public and City staff deemed to be aggressive or intimidating or having the objective of inciting violence
• threats and attempts to intimidate
• throwing of articles in a deliberate or aggressive manner
• aggressive approaches to another individual

Organizations and the general public using Parks & Recreation programs, facilities and properties "must take primary responsibility for the behaviour of all associated with them: participants, officials, spectators, patrons, parents, etc."

A separate Permit - Terms & Conditions policy requires users of public space to comply with provincial and federal legislation, which would prohibit such things as hate speech, slander and discrimination based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected grounds.

My Take: We always must remain vigilant against hate, racism, and discrimination. We are not immune. Just a week ago a resident called me to report racist graffiti on a city bench downtown; graffiti was spray painted on a church that was recently burned by suspected arson. We have an obligation to set a standard for appropriate conduct, and enforce it. We can also lead the way by supporting and embracing diversity. A great example recently was the One Burlington festival at Central Park, bringing faith and cultural groups together to foster unity and celebrate compassion, kindness and mutual respect. Good news: organizers plan to make it an annual event. Thanks to everyone who volunteered to bring this event to Burlington and the public who attended.