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WHEREAS, the Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed in 1943 and subsequent <br />federal legislation officially banned racial bias in immigration and citizenship, a <br />fundamental step in the struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States; and <br />WHEREAS, the recent rise in anti -Asian violence and racial discrimination <br />demonstrates that xenophobia remains deeply rooted in our society and that Chinese and <br />Asian -Americans are still stereotyped as perpetual foreigners; and <br />WHEREAS, the story of Chinese immigrants and the dehumanizing atrocities <br />committed against them in the 19th and early 20th century should not be minimized in the <br />telling of Santa Ana's history; and <br />WHEREAS, the City must acknowledge and take responsibility for the legacy of <br />discrimination against early Chinese immigrants as part of our collective consciousness <br />that helps contribute to the current surge in anti -Asian and Pacific Islander hate; and <br />WHEREAS, a genuine apology for the City's role in this history and legacy is an <br />important and necessary step in the process of racial reconciliation; and <br />WHEREAS, an apology for grievous injustices cannot erase the past, but <br />admission of the historic wrongdoings committed can aid us in solving the critical <br />problems of racial discrimination facing America today. <br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa <br />Ana that it: <br />Section 1. Apologizes to all Chinese immigrants and their descendants who <br />came to Santa Ana and were the victims of systemic and institutional racism, xenophobia, <br />and discrimination; <br />Section 2. Acknowledges and condemns acts of fundamental injustice, terror, <br />cruelty, and brutality, including the dismantling and destruction of the City's Chinatown; <br />Section 3. Recognizes the contributions and resilience of the Chinese <br />community and their commitment to fostering reconciliation and friendship; and <br />Section 4. Resolves to rectify the lingering consequences of the historical <br />discriminatory policies of the City of Santa Ana, and to use this resolution as a teaching <br />moment for the public to move forward towards justice for all. <br />ADOPTED this 17th day of May, 2022. <br />Resolution No. 2022-039 <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />