Denver’s history as a welcoming city, “inclusive of people of all races, colors, creeds, and national origin” was reinforced in a proclamation unanimously approved by City Council Monday, Nov. 21, nearly two weeks after the divisive general election and its aftermath of protests and reports of racial and ethnic intimidation and vandalism nationwide.

Entitled “Standing Together with Denver Moving Forward,” the proclamation noted a 1998 executive order by then-Mayor Wellington Webb and stated Denver “is an ethnically and culturally pluralistic city. We cherish this diversity for enhancing the quality of life in our community. As Denver emerges as an international city in a global economy, we can anticipate that foreign-born residents will continue to make Denver their home. We welcome all to share Denver’s warm hospitality. We must respect this diversity and assure that the human rights of our citizens are protected.”

The executive order also said “…the City will not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any form, and that the City remains firmly committed to the delivery of services to all of its residents.”

The proclamation comes after a Nov. 10 statement from current Mayor Michael Hancock.

“In Denver, our priorities haven’t changed,” Hancock wrote. “We will remain focused on what matters – making Denver the best place in the nation to work, live and play. We will continue to tackle the key issues affecting the people of Denver, like transportation, affordable housing, homelessness, job creation and criminal justice reform. This election has been a long and challenging process for all of us. Now it’s time to move forward, together.”

Council members pledged to work together, “move the crucial dialogue forward that ensures all Denver citizens feel their voice is heard,” and evaluate the city’s system of government “with an inclusive lens.”

“Our communities will foster and ensure equity, social justice, and freedom from fear of persecution based on race, religious belief, country of origin, sexual orientation, gender, physical ability, or age,” the proclamation stated. “Specifically, we must work together to support our brothers and sisters in communities of color, LGBTQ, immigrants, refugees, and those of the Muslim and Jewish faiths who at times have been targeted in unjust ways.”

Council members also pledged to help reach out, engage and allow citizens “to create a society which does not tolerate any act of racism or oppression toward another individual.”

“Each Denver citizen has the responsibility to engage, learn, and debate different views and beliefs in a civil, robust manner,” the proclamation continued. “This responsibility includes understanding the stereotypes and biases that we all hold and that inclusivity work is never finished.”

A copy of the proclamation was to be displayed in the City Council central staff office reception area.

A second proclamation, also unanimously adopted, designated Denver “a Compassionate City in accord with the Charter for Compassion,” and called on the city’s “many civic-minded businesses, nonprofits, registered neighborhood organizations, and on its neighboring cities throughout the metro area and Colorado to join in supporting the cultivation of compassion and acts of compassion for the well-being of all.”