City Council Special Meeting Agenda
Memo to: Manteca City Council
From: Toni Lundgren, Interim City Manager; L. David Nefouse, City Attorney; Cassandra Candini-Tilton, City Clerk
Prepared by: L. David Nefouse, City Attorney
Date: August 3, 2022
Subject: Rescinding the January 18, 2022 Proclamation Recognizing “Health
for Humanity - Yogathon 2022”
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Rescind the January 18, 2022 Proclamation Recognizing “Health for Humanity - Yogathon 2022” put forward by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (“HSS”).
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Background:
At the January 18, 2022 City Council meeting, the City Council issued a proclamation recognizing “Health for Humanity - Yogathon 2022” put forward by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh ( or “HSS”) from January 15, 2022 through January 30, 2022.
At the July 19, 2022 City Council meeting, during public comment, members of the public and the community came forward and informed and educated the City Council and City staff about the purported controversy surrounding HSS. Members of the public informed the City that HSS is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (“RSS”) (a perceived extremist, paramilitary volunteer organization based in India that partakes in conduct and/or communications deemed hostile and/or discriminatory towards Christian and Muslim individuals and organizations in India). These details were unbeknownst to the City Council and City staff. Accordingly, the City Council gave consensus to City staff to bring forward an action to rescind the proclamation.
The attached resolution not only rescinds the proclamation, but also offers an apology to any individuals and/or groups who were hurt, offended, and/or negatively impacted by the decision of the City of Manteca to issue this proclamation. The City of Manteca is a welcoming place and does not wish offend any individual or entity (or stir controversy) through its proclamation process.
Fiscal Impact:
None.
Attachments:
1. Attachment 1 - Resolution