Keene passes anti-hate resolution

KEENE | The Town of Keene narrowly passed a resolution in affirmation of diversity, after two board members said they were not comfortable with it as written, and abstained. An audience of about two dozen people, several of whom spoke in favor of the resolution applauded after Board Member Teresa Cheetham-Palen resisted pressure to withdraw the resolution to give board members more time to tinker with it. She was joined by Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson and Board Member Jennifer Whitney as voting in favor. Board Members Dave Deyo and Bob Biesemeyer said they supported the intent of the resolution, but had concerns about its practical effects. Dayo asked for more time to "refine" the language adding that "If we're going to do it, we want to do it right. We don't want to rush to judgment." Biesemeyer said he feared the resolution might stir backlash from racist elements in the community, and that passing it was like "kicking a hornet's nest." Keene becomes at least the third Essex County town to pass a resolution condemning racial hatred following several incidents that included varying degrees of racist overtones. Essex County has passed its own resolution, along with the towns of North Hudson and Schroon Lake. Cheetham-Palen said the resolution is "a response to what is happening locally as well as nationally," and that it "hammers home the message that we will not tolerate racism within the Blue Line. Every person should feel welcome here." Like Essex County's, Keene's resolution notes local black history, including the work of abolitionist John Brown and Black settlers who were provided with land by Gerrit Smith, largely to confer them with voting rights. Deyo said he felt the history distracted from the primary purpose of the statement, and advocated for its elimination. But Cheetham-Palen said the history made a crucial point. "Very often in our history lessons we disregard the history of Black people," she said. 'We want to honor their history." Residents who spoke said they were also pleased the resolution included calls to action, including formation of a diversity committee, diversity training and a pledge to openly confront acts of racism should they occur. Pete Nelson, a resident of Keene and cofounder of the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, said the resolution is not intended as an attack. "This is not about judging, it is about understanding; it's an affirmation and a positive call to action," he said. "Keene makes a wonderful place for anyone to live, but Keene is no more immune from racism than any other community."

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Keene passes anti-hate resolution

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