Last week our government was attacked. Democracy itself was the target. Nothing can justify such actions. Yet, there are those who were involved in or who support the actions of the insurrectionists who are misusing the protections of the first and second amendments as a justification for the violence, racism and anti-Semitism that was on full display. The first and second amendments of the United States Constitution are rights which are meant to protect our citizens. They are not to be wielded to attack the very Constitution from which they derive their force and effect. 

We recognize there are serious divisions in our country, and we support the right to protest even for our fellow citizens with whom we disagree. However, the right to protest is not a right to destroy. The right to protest is not a right to exert violence or threats of violence. The right to protest is not a right to intimidate or cause fear in those you oppose. The right to protest cannot result in pain, injury and death. The right to protest cannot be used as a false shield to justify the kinds of actions we saw last week. Nor can the 2nd amendment be used to justify the possession of weapons in a manner meant to instill fear in others.

We must speak out about the response towards those who attacked the heart and soul of democracy. While peaceful demonstrations must be permitted and even encouraged, swift action must be taken against an insurrection masquerading as protest to protect our people and property from injury, fear or death. The response of law enforcement must be based on the conduct of demonstrators - not on race, ethnicity, gender identity or the subject matter of the demonstration.

What is glaringly clear is that those charged with mobilizing the resources to deal with last week’s events, which included groups of known domestic terrorists motivated by self-professed racist, anti-Semitic and fascistic ideals, failed to provide an adequate response to ensure the safety of those attempting to certify the results of our presidential election. Thankfully there were individual acts of bravery amongst those charged with protecting the capitol. But overall, the unprecedented but expected violence was met with little or no resistance in shocking comparison to the unreasonable militarization and often brutal response inflicted upon peaceful protesters throughout this year.

As Americans we must all be able to speak out publicly with concerns about government and the ways in which we and our fellow citizens are being denied the rights to which we are entitled. We must be able to express our feelings about the issues that affect us in an effort to try to communicate with those in power. Therefore we, at the Woodstock Human Rights Commission, are providing this statement so as to be clear that we will not tolerate the misuse of our cherished right to protest provided to us by our Constitution. We will not tolerate those who vandalize, threaten, or engage in violence under the guise of protest. And while racism, anti-Semitism, fascism, and the violence that often attends such vile concepts are not new, they must never be tolerated in a free and fair society and will not be tolerated in our Community.

NOTICE:  The Human Rights Commission will not have in person meetings until further notice.  If you have experienced a violation, please submit the form to WHRC@woodstockny.org

The Town of Woodstock is the process of checking in with Woodstock residents. In an emergency If you or anyone you know needs food - Please call The Good Neighbor Food Pantry here in Woodstock (845) 399-0376 or (845) 633-2120. Delivery days are Wednesday and Thursday. Also if you are in need of prepared meals from The Table at Woodstock delivered to your home please call Ashley at the Supervisor’s office at 845-679-2113 x 17. Delivery days for prepared meals are Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Information about County level assistance can be found at:

https://ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus

NOTIFICACION:  La Comisión de Derechos Humanos no va a tener juntas en persona hasta nueva notificación. Sí usted a sufrido una violación a sus derechos, por favor remita la  forma a WHRC@woodstockny.org 

El Pueblo de Woodstock está en el proceso de contactar a sus residents. Si tiene una emergencia, o si hay alguna persona que usted sepa necesita alimentos – Llame a el The Good Neighbor Food Pantry (Despensa de Alimentos del Buen Vecino) aquí en Woodstock al (845) 399-0376 or (845) 633-2120. Las entregas son los Miércoles y Jueves. También si usted necesita comida preparada entregada en su casa de “The Table at Woodstock” (La Mesa de Woodstock) por favor llame a Ashley en la Oficina del Supervisor al 845-679-2113 x 17. Los días de entrega de las comidas preparadas son Miércoles, Viernes, y Domingos.

Puede encontrar información acerca de la asistencia de parte del Condado en:

https://ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus

Mission:

Woodstock Human Rights Commission’s (WHRC) Mission

The Woodstock Human Rights Commission’s (WHRC) mission is to support the Woodstock Town Board in ensuring fairness and equitable treatment of all people when interacting with all town agencies and departments in the Town of Woodstock, New York.

The WHRC will work towards these goals through: 

1. Individual(s) Advocacy by creating a confidential mechanism for the community to voice their human rights issues; by working through the Woodstock Town Board to mediate resolutions; and by following up on the agreed outcomes.
2. Community Education by serving as a resource; sponsoring forums, educational programs, workshops, celebrations; and, promoting effective communication strategies among community members.
3. Policy Recommendations by  utilizing a human rights perspective when reviewing, communicating, advising, and proposing recommendations and actions to the Woodstock Town Board regarding the local town governmental agencies’ current and future policies and interactions with the community to ensure that all human rights are considered.

The WHRC works to support the local government agencies to uphold their obligatory duty to honor human rights of all Woodstock community members and visitors to Woodstock, New York.