[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1473 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>






118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1473

To condemn racism and bigotry towards Haitian people, to celebrate the 
 vast contributions of people of Haitian descent to the United States, 
 to condemn the spread of misinformation, and to call on Americans to 
                      affirm our shared humanity.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 19, 2024

Mr. Frost (for himself, Ms. Clarke of New York, Ms. Pressley, and Mrs. 
  Cherfilus-McCormick) submitted the following resolution; which was 
               referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
To condemn racism and bigotry towards Haitian people, to celebrate the 
 vast contributions of people of Haitian descent to the United States, 
 to condemn the spread of misinformation, and to call on Americans to 
                      affirm our shared humanity.

Whereas food-based racialized epithets have been a prominent form of racism in 
        America for hundreds of years;
Whereas the debunked claims promoted by Senator James David Vance and former 
        President Donald Trump about Haitians or people of Haitian descent have 
        been declared baseless by law enforcement and government officials;
Whereas spreading false stories about Haitians or people of Haitian descent 
        divides communities by stoking fear amongst communities;
Whereas recent racist tropes and misinformation, including fabricated stories 
        about Haitians or people of Haitian descent, have contributed to a 
        hostile environment for Haitians or people of Haitian descent;
Whereas the spread of fictitious stories dehumanizes people and puts communities 
        in immediate physical danger;
Whereas over 30 bomb threats and the threat of a mass shooting have been made in 
        Springfield, Ohio, since the spread of baseless and racist stories about 
        Haitians or people of Haitian descent;
Whereas the United States and Haiti share a history of fighting for independence 
        and have been allies for over two centuries;
Whereas Haitian Americans and their descendants have made significant 
        contributions to the advancement of American society, including but not 
        limited to: Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, founder of Chicago; Pierre 
        Toussiant, philanthropist and candidate for sainthood; W.E.B. Dubois, 
        civil rights activist and scholar; and countless others; and
Whereas the United States has a long history of benefitting from the prevalence 
        of Haitian doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers providing essential 
        services and care; Haitian educators and scholars who have enriched 
        American academia and inspired countless students; Haitian artists, 
        musicians, and writers who have greatly influenced American culture, 
        bringing unique perspectives and creativity; and Haitian community, 
        advocating for social justice and the rights of everyone; Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes and celebrates the significant contributions 
        of Haitian Americans and people of Haitian descent to the 
        United States;
            (2) strongly condemns and denounces all forms of 
        discrimination, including racism, xenophobia, and bigotry, 
        towards Haitian people;
            (3) calls on all Americans to reject racist tropes and 
        speak out against misinformation;
            (4) recognizes and celebrates the significant contributions 
        of Haitian Americans and people of Haitian descent to the 
        United States; and
            (5) strongly urges elected officials and community leaders 
        to promote inclusivity, engage in responsible, honest, 
        communication, and affirm humanity for all ethnic and national 
        groups.
                                 <all>