Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
Subject: Adopt a resolution condemning Islamophobia
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution to condemn Islamophobia and support the inalienable rights of Muslims.
body
BACKGROUND:
Islamophobia is the unfounded fear, hatred of, or prejudice against Islam and Muslims. Members of the Islamic community are threatened nationwide by Islamophobia, which includes hate crimes, intolerant speech, injustices, shunning, fear-mongering, and other threats to safety, security, and liberty.
Recent research in 2021 has shown that American Muslims are two times more likely to attempt suicide when compared to other groups, and researchers relate such high suicide attempt rate to two factors: religious discrimination and community stigma - both of which act as a barrier for Muslim American communities from seeking mental health care.
DISCUSSION:
Islamophobia results in painful consequences and can lead to continued discrimination and hate- based violence against Muslims (e.g., terror attack at a masjid/mosque). Muslim children and adults can experience anxiety, fear, worry, and confusion as a result of Islamophobic actions that are committed against them, their families, and/ or members of their community.
Like all members of the human family, all residents of San Mateo County are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and being endowed with reason and conscience, should act towards one another in a spirit of caring brotherhood and sisterhood.
Therefore, it should be recognized that Muslim lives matter to oppose any expression of bigotry toward Muslims with the same full moral, legal, and practical force it provides all people in San Mateo County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.