Quincy Human Rights Commission Sends Resolution to City Council

QUINCY, Ill. — In the wake of a controversy involving a Quincy alderman, the city's Human Rights Commission has adopted its first resolution for city council in years, calling on Quincy leaders to discuss a resolution titled "Reaffirming Quincy's Commitment to Fostering a Community of Safety, Dignity, and Belonging."

Community Action Chair Whitney Thomson said the commission looked at how other cities' human rights commissions drafted similar resolutions before writing their own. The resolution outlines that every person in Quincy should not fear discrimination based on where they come from, whom they love, and how they worship. It also recognizes the importance of free speech and invites every person who serves the city of Quincy to "stand together in support of the dignity and safety of every person who calls Quincy home."

"That's what it takes to make Quincy a great community is we all have to care for each other, despite our differences," Thomson said.

Controversy Over Alderman's Online Post

The resolution was spurred by community members bringing their concerns to the commission at a meeting last month, following allegations that Quincy Alderman Mike Adkins reposted Islamophobic content online.

"We're not in the business of censorship, and we're not in the business of asking people for their resignation. That's not our lane," Thomson said. "And it's important to remember what human rights stands for, and everyone in our community deserves to feel safe and welcomed."

Thomson said city council is expected to discuss the resolution at its upcoming Monday meeting.

"Really my ask is that they just have an open discussion, and support everyone in their community, cause it's really important," Thomson said. "We can't ask people to come and live here or to come and work here if we're not making sure that we're providing safety and inclusion and welcoming them here freely."

The Resolution

The full resolution, designated HRC Resolution 26-01, notes that every person who calls Quincy home deserves to feel safe, welcomed, respected, and able to participate fully in community life without fear of hostility or discrimination because of who they are, where they come from, whom they love, or how they worship.

It further states that the commission recognizes and supports the peaceful exercise of freedom of speech, including speech that may be controversial, unpopular, or critical, and that nothing in the resolution is intended to prohibit, censor, or punish constitutionally protected expression.

The resolution adds that public officials retain their individual rights to expression, but that civic leadership also carries a responsibility to model the kind of discourse that allows disagreement without dehumanization. It notes that rhetoric which stereotypes, dehumanizes, or expresses hostility toward people on the basis of age, faith, race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, abilities, or socio-economic status contributes to fear, division, and distrust.

The commission respectfully submits the resolution to the mayor and Quincy city council and asks the city council to join in affirming these principles.

Support from Community Groups

The Quincy Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) issued a statement supporting the resolution, emphasizing that a thriving community is strengthened when all people are afforded the opportunity to learn, participate, and contribute. The group highlighted the connection between religious freedom, educational opportunity, and respect for human dignity.

The Quincy Area Ministerial Association also issued a statement supporting the Quincy Islamic Center and the Muslim community of Quincy. The signatories, including pastors and clergy from multiple faith traditions, noted that Quincy has a proud history of being called a city of refuge, pointing to the assistance provided to the Latter Day Saints fleeing persecution and the community's role in the Underground Railroad.

"The city of Quincy is better than words and actions rooted in hatred, intimidation, and anger," the statement read. "We respectfully affirm our support for the Quincy Islamic Center and for our Muslim neighbors, and urge our community leaders to protect religious freedom and stand firmly against religious discrimination in all of its forms."

The ministerial association is also hosting a community prayer vigil on Tuesday evening, October 6, at 5:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church at 1415 Main Street, inviting members of the community to attend.

Illinois State News will continue to follow the resolution and report on how the city council meeting unfolds.