U.S. Coalition of Cities Against Racism and Discrimination

Because there are still many challenges related to discrimination in communities throughout the nation, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, in collaboration with UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and the U.S. Department of State, has established the U.S. Coalition of Cities Against Racism and Discrimination. In joining this coalition, mayors pledge to undertake ten action steps, some through the Conference and some on their own.

Through the Conference of Mayors, participating mayors pledge to:

• Continue collective efforts to speak out against racism and other forms of discrimination and propose solutions, and join with national civil rights organizations in this effort;
• Advocate for inclusion and non-discrimination in all federal laws, policies, and programs;
• Work toward sentencing and prison reform to reduce disparities between blacks and Hispanics and whites in sentences and incarceration rates;
• Improve the ability of people released from prison, who are disproportionately black and Hispanic, to reenter their communities through increased federal support for Second Chance programs and changes in policies and procedures which make it difficult, if not impossible, to become productive members of society; and
• Continue calling for an expanded national effort to reduce poverty, which disproportionately affects minority communities, and create employment opportunities by increasing job creation, job training, child care.

In their cities, participating mayors pledge to:

• Ensure that city policies and procedures promote inclusion and do not discriminate and that employees are provided the training needed to implement them;
• Use the bully pulpit to provide leadership on issues of concern, engage in the difficult conversations that may be needed, speak out against hate crimes and all discriminatory acts whenever they occur, and provide comfort and assistance to victims of discrimination;
• Work with the school system to promote education about differences, the importance of tolerance, and behavior that respects differences among people;
• Facilitate the integration of immigrants and other new residents into the community; and
• Encourage community activities which celebrate diversity and educate city residents about the different cultures that compose a city’s population.

As of this date, 51 mayors have signed the accord. Participating mayors from New England include Michael Tetreau of Fairfield, CT, and Miro Weinberger of Burlington, VT.

The U.S. Coalition is part of the International Coalition of Cities Against Racism, an initiative established by UNESCO in 2004. The International Coalition is a global network of cities who are striving to work together to Identifying and sharing good practices in fighting racism and discrimination.

For more information about the U.S. Coalition and the 10-Point Plan of Action, please visit:

U.S. Conference of Mayors: U.S. Coalition of Cities Against Racism and Discrimination 10-Point Plan of Action

Media report:

Burlington Free Press: Burlington joins national campaign to address racism (12 SEP 13)

Background information:

United States Conference of Mayors

International Coalition of Cities against Racism