Explanation
This ordinance establishes new Chapter 1943, Prohibition on Hate Group Affiliation, in Columbus City Codes.
Title
To establish Chapter 1943, Prohibition on Hate Group Affiliation in Columbus City Codes; to direct the Division of Police to comply with the provisions of Section 1943.04; to direct the Civil Service Commission to adopt rules and background standards to prohibit candidates for employment with the Division of Police from associating with or affiliating with hate groups; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the number of hate groups operating in the United States since 2016 have seen a significant increase, rising from 892 in 2015 to 940 in 2019; and
WHEREAS, many hate groups operate in a covert manner, the number of identifiable hate groups currently ranges anywhere from 1000-1100 according to the Southern Poverty Law Center; and
WHEREAS, the number of identifiable hate groups currently operating in Ohio ranges from 40-50; and
WHEREAS, recognizing that officers are held to a higher standard, that it is a privilege to serve this noble cause, and that officers have an extraordinary leadership role in society and the opportunity to make a difference; and
WHEREAS, it is well settled that a law enforcement agency has a heightened need for order, loyalty, morale and harmony, which affords a police department more latitude in responding to the affiliations of its officers than other government employers; and
WHEREAS, the First Amendment in part protects one’s right to freedom of speech, belief, association and assembly; however that right is not absolute; and
WHEREAS, the Code of Ethics for the Division of Police requires officers to make decisions based on the values of the Division, which include compassion, accountability, respect, integrity, and excellence; and
WHEREAS, affiliating with organizations that do not value the diversity of our community, specifically those that espouse and advocate divisive and prejudicial beliefs...
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