A resolution affirming the city of Oxford’s commitment to diversity passed without opposition yesterday at the bi-monthly Board of Aldermen meeting.
The bill, which recognizes the dignity and worth of all residents, affirms that diversity in Oxford will enhance economic growth by helping attract business and create jobs.
It also recognizes that “all individuals have inherent worth and should be treated with dignity and respect without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, sexual orientation, family status, veteran status, disability or source of income.”
There were no empty seats in the City Hall courthouse due to the attendance of many students and community members who came to show their support or disapproval of the resolution.
The cities of Starkville and Hattiesburg have both already passed similar diversity resolutions.
John W. Swinney, president of the Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, spoke in front of the board to voice the business community’s support for the resolution.
“When we grow this community we will be doing so with people from all over the world,” Swinney said.
“If we are not openly making the policy that says we accept you and we think you are a valuable individual here in the community, then we will continue to be labeled with that negative stereotype.”
A speech was also made in opposition to the resolution.
Local business owner Walter Locke spoke against the resolution saying that although he respected each and every individual, he was concerned about the wording of the legislation which specified gender identity or expression and sexual orientation.
“I am extremely bothered that my wife or daughters-in-law would have to share bathrooms with someone who was formerly a male,” Locke said.
He was further concerned that as an Orthodox Christian business owner, he would one day have to compromise his religious beliefs and be forced to sign such an ordinance for his business.
“All we have to do is look to the West,” Locke said, alluding to strong support for LGBTQ rights and laws in Western states such as California.
Junior political science major Sean Higgins and junior public policy leadership major Christine Dickason first approached the city’s leaders about a diversity ordinance for Oxford.
“We decided we needed to encourage the city of Oxford to do the same as Starkville and Hattiesburg. This type of resolution is an important first step to overcoming past stereotypes. We have to be proactive and vocal about our commitment to diversity,” Dickason said.
Alderman Janice Antonow, Ward III, drafted and submitted the resolution but attempts to reach Antonow were unsuccessful.
