A RESOLUTION AND STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE DEATHS OF GEORGE FLOYD AND RAYSHARD BROOKS

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

County of Fluvanna

Palmyra, Virginia

RESOLUTION No. 19-2020

WHEREAS, the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors, like so many in the Commonwealth, is shocked and appalled at the deaths of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks at the hands of those sworn to protect them. We understand that these deaths are only two of many such deaths of Black Americans; and

WHEREAS, this Board strongly denounces the actions that resulted in the deaths of Mr. Floyd and Mr. Brooks and understands the emotions that this arouses, locally and around the world; and

WHEREAS, this Board adamantly rejects words, actions, and policies that foster division and bring out bigotry, hatred, and discrimination, and condemns racism and oppression of people of color in our county; and

WHEREAS, we acknowledge that a disproportionate number of Black Americans are affected by poverty, incarceration, lack of access to quality medical care and educational opportunities. We also know that decisions made at the local level have profound effects on those living in our community; and

WHEREAS, Fluvanna has shown its strength during our current and continuing pandemic, Fluvanna residents have answered the call, mobilizing and providing support and care to neighbors, showing through actions the understanding that Fluvanna is a united community; and

WHEREAS, we know that members of our community are disheartened and in pain and we understand that our words may not fully provide the comfort that is necessary right now, let our actions and interactions with every one of you show our true intent; and

WHEREAS, The Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors calls on the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s office to commit to transparency and recommit to maintaining the trust established with our community, and to gather and make public data on the racial demographics of police encounters; and

WHEREAS, The Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors calls on the Fluvanna County Sheriff to increase transparency and make the public aware of the role, duties, membership, and training of the reserve deputy program, and commit to training reserve deputies on crisis intervention, cultural diversity, how to avoid bias-based policing, and the proper use-of-force.

WHEREAS, the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors supports Fluvanna County Sheriff Eric Hess and commends the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office for adopting the 21st Century Policing practices. We know that the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office will strive to equally protect and serve all Fluvanna residents.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors calls now for all residents of Fluvanna County to turn their considerable capacity for love and care to those in the community who are most affected by the practices of injustice that are a continuing part of our national fabric. We will approach these concerns as a community, united during the good times as well as the bad times; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Board commits itself to efforts to engage the community in constructive, honest, and substantive dialogue to better understand where inequities exist and to adopt policies to eliminate them. This Board is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment where everyone can thrive, and we urge all county residents to join us in this crucial, ongoing effort. We recommit to you our intent to build and support a united community of all Fluvanna residents, based in mutual respect, equity, and wellbeing.

THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION WAS DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED by the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors at a Regular Meeting of the Board held on the 17th day of June, 2020.