Mayor Berkowitz signs nationwide initiative 'to combat hate, extremism and bigotry'

Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has signed the Mayors' Compact, an initiative launched by the Anti-Defamation League and the United States Conference of Mayors to 'fight extremism and bigotry.'

'Given the escalation of tensions around the country, it is important to reaffirm basic American values like "equality under the law" and "Justice for all",' Berkowitz wrote in a statement to KTUU.

The compact has been signed by more than 200 mayors across the county who have pledged 'to take the lead on ending domestic extremism and violent bigotry.'

The website created for the Mayors' Compact includes a treatise about how American mayors throughout history have taken 'a strong position in support of civil rights and in opposition to racism.'

'Mayors and their cities must continue to be a beacon for inclusion, tolerance, and respect for all. We will continue to create stronger cultures of kindness and compassion in our communities, and expect our federal and state partners to join us in this endeavor.'

The Mayors' Compact also contains ten key components for the future of signatory cities.

These components include general promises such as 'denouncing all acts of hate wherever they occur' but there are also more specific pledges such as training programs for law enforcement.

'Mayors will encourage their police departments to participate in training programs offered by ADL and others that address how to identify and respond to hate incidents, hate crimes, and domestic terrorism.'

Anchorage is currently the only Alaskan city to have signed the Mayors' Compact.