Affirm and Defend Bangor's Community Values

Bangor, Maine aspires to be an open, welcoming and safe community for all its residents.  We wish to value and honor our racial, ethnic and religious diversity.  It makes us stronger and better.

The current political climate has become frightening for millions of immigrants and their families.  In addition, we recognize that our Islamic friends and neighbors feel threatened by the seeds of anti-Muslim sentiment being sown throughout our country.

In light of these concerns, we call on the Bangor City Council to declare that here in our city, we are committeed to uphold the rights, ensure the safety, and affirm the worth of each of our residents.

We strongly support the Bangor police department's policy to not routinely inquire into the immigration status of any person(s) encountered in the course of normal law enforcement activity.  Our public security, including effective community policing, requires that no one feel intimidated or apprehensive in coming forward with information that aids our officers in keeping us all safe. 

We are proud that our public officials strive to treat all of our residents with respect, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, documentation status, sexual or gender identity.  We know that when any sector of our populace feels vulnerable, the integrity of our entire community is in jeopardy.  We celebrate our diversity, our openness to one another, and our commitement to dignity and equal justice for all.