Armenian National Committee
of Eastern Massachusetts
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
September 11, 2007
Contact: Sevag Arzoumanian
Tel: 617-233-3174
NEWTON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION VOTES TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE
PARTICIPATION IN "NO PLACE FOR HATE"
— Cites ADL Opposition to Armenian Genocide Legislation
Newton, MA: The Newton Human Rights Commission, last night,
unanimously voted to "immediately cease participation in the ADL’s
NPFH [No Place for Hate] program, until the national ADL fully and
unequivocally recognizes the Armenian Genocide and actively
supports Congressional resolution HR106," reported the Armenian
National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts (ANC-EM). The
recommendation will be presented to Newton Mayor David Cohen, who,
according to the Boston Globe, has stated that he will make a final
decision in the next few days.
"We commend the Newton Human Rights Commission for their principled
position in opposing any connection with the ADL until they
forthrightly acknowledge the Armenian Genocide and support Armenian
Genocide legislation," stated ANC EM representative Sonya Merian.
"We must send a clear message to the national ADL that half-
measures are not acceptable when discussing the Armenian Genocide."
Over 100 community members and activists from diverse backgrounds
voiced strident concern about any association with the ADL, given
their opposition to Armenian Genocide legislation. New England ADL
representatives urged the Commission to continue with the project,
noting that the national ADL will review Congressional Resolution
support in November. In addressing the Commission, Mayor Cohen
referred to the national ADL’s position "an ongoing injustice" and
went on to state that "The resolution that we have in the U.S.
Congress is one of the best pieces of legislation that deserves
passage . . . it is incumbent on the ADL to support it."
Two weeks prior to this meeting, on August 21st, the Newton Human
Rights Commission held a special meeting to discuss the ADL
controversy. The Commission sent a letter to the New England ADL
Board stipulating that program participation would require the
national ADL to "fully and unequivocally recognize the Armenian
Genocide" and "actively support Congressional resolution HR106."
Towns throughout Massachusetts are reconsidering their affiliation
with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and its "No Place for Hate"
programs, citing concerns about the ADL’s opposition to Armenian
Genocide recognition.
A listing of towns and actions taken to date is provided below.
For complete coverage surrounding this ongoing controversy
visit:
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Bedford: On Tuesday, September 4th, the Bedford ViolencePrevention
Coalition voted to call on the national ADL to provide
clarification on their position on the Armenian Genocide and
ongoing opposition to Congressional Armenian Genocide legislation
(H.Res.106 / S.Res.106). The committee agreed that it would then
proceed accordingly, yet maintained that severing its ties with the
ADL was still very much on the table.
Arlington: On Monday, August 20th, during an emergency meeting of
the Arlington "No Place for Hate" Commission, Chairwoman Cindy
Friedman and the 12 member Executive Board members voted to suspend
the ongoing ADL NPFH certification process, citing the ADL’s
Armenian Genocide denial. In a written statement issued following
the meeting, the commission noted that "while we agree with the
program’s goals, we feel that recent statements and actions of the
national leadership have undermined its integrity and ability to be
effective."
Belmont: On Thursday, September 6th, the Belmont Human Rights
Commission unanimously voted to urge the local Board of Selectmen
to sever ties with the ADL, citing their ongoing opposition to
Armenian Genocide recognition. The Board of Selectmen is set to
discuss the issue at their meeting on Monday, September 17th at
7:00pm.
Needham, MA: On Wednesday, September 5th, the Needham Human Rights
Committee voted to recommend ending the town’s association with the
ADL if the national organization does not directly recognize the
Armenian Genocide and change its stance on Congressional
legislation (H.Res.106 / S.Res.106). The Committee has sent a
letter to the national ADL asking for clarification of their
position.
Newburyport: On Tuesday, August 28th, the Newburyport Commission
for Diversity and Tolerance voted to send a letter to the national
ADL stating that it is "seriously considering" withdrawing from the
ADL-sponsored No Place For Hate program unless the league
unambiguously acknowledges the Armenian Genocide and lobbies in
support of Congressional Armenian Genocide legislation (H.Res.106 /
S.Res.106). The Commission is set to revisit the issue on Tuesday,
September 11th at 3:00pm at the Newburyport Police Station.
Watertown: On Tuesday, August 14th, the Watertown Town Council
unanimously voted to rescind its affiliation with the "No Place for
Hate" anti-racism and tolerance promotion program, citing
statements denying the Armenian Genocide by Abraham Foxman,
National Director of the program’s sponsor, the Anti-Defamation
League. Watertown Town Council Member Marilyn Petitto-Devaney has
been speaking at local town meetings throughout Massachusetts
urging them to sever ties with the ADL as well.