The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced a new joint plan to fight extremism and bigotry and promote justice and equality in response to the disturbing hate and violence seen in Charlottesville, Virginia. More than 280 mayors from across the country have so far pledged to implement the plan, including 37 from Florida (representing over 13% of the total to date).
USCM partnered with ADL to develop the 10-point Mayors’ Compact to Combat Hate, Extremism, and Bigotry. Under the Compact, mayors commit to vigorously speak out against all acts of hate; punish bias-motivated violence to the fullest extent of the law; encourage more anti-bias and anti-hate education in schools and police forces, using ADL experts and resources for both; encourage community activities that celebrate their population’s cultural and ethnic diversity; and ensure civil rights laws are aggressively enforced and hate crimes laws are as strong as possible.
“We must double down in our efforts to combat hate in our cities,” said Sheri Zvi, ADL Florida Regional Director. “Mayors have unique roles in affecting change in communities; we could not be more grateful for the support and leadership these 37 mayors have demonstrated. We encourage all Florida mayors to commit to this effort in the coming days.”
Florida Mayors who have signed on include:
Gabriel Groisman, Bal Harbour Village
Susan Haynie, Boca Raton Marni L. Sawicki, Cape Coral Judith ‘Judy’ Paul, Davie Derrick L. Henry, Daytona Beach Juan Carlos Bermudez, Doral Julie Ward Bujalski, Dunedin Randall P. Henderson Jr., Fort Myers Joy Cooper, Hallandale Beach Josh Levy, Hollywood Hazelle Rogers, Lauderdale Lakes Richard J. Kaplan, Lauderhill Philip Levine, Miami Beach Oliver G. Gilbert III, Miami Gardens Carlos A. Gimenez, Miami-Dade County, Florid Wayne M. Messam, Miramar Bill Barnett, Naples John Adornato III, Oakland Park |
Buddy Dyer, Orlando
William Capote, Palm Bay Milissa Holland, Palm Coast Christine Hunschofsky, Parkland Frank C. Ortis, Pembroke Pines Ashton J. Hayward, Pensacola Joseph M Corradino, Pinecrest Lamar Fisher, Pompano Beach Donald O. Burnette, Port Orange Gregory J. Oravec, Port St. Lucie Rick Kriseman, St. Petersburg Michael J. Ryan, Sunrise Andrew D. Gillum, Tallahassee Harry Dressler, Tamarac Bob Buckhorn, Tampa Geraldine ‘Jeri’ Muoio Ph.D., West Palm Beach Daniel J. Stermer, Weston |
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Anti-Defamation League neither supports nor opposes any political candidate for office. To learn how to sign the pact, click here.