The City of Independence withdraws from a rural welcoming initiative after public backlash.
The City of Independence, Independence Main Street, and the Independence Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity Task Force have announced that they have ended plans to participate in Welcoming America's Rural Welcoming Initiative. The City originally partnered with the group late last month in an effort to be more inclusive to people of all backgrounds. The initial announcement of the partnership with the program was met with backlash from citizens concerned about the purpose of the program, or what the City calls “confusion and distrust about the scope and purpose of the program.”
According to its website, Welcoming America is a non profit organization with the goal of supporting communities in building a welcoming society where every person, including immigrants can share prosperity.
It says: “Immigrants and refugees are more likely to feel welcome and experience a sense of belonging when communities have created opportunities that engage them. Rural areas often thrive in return in part because their U.S.-born population is typically older, and newcomers often help revitalize and add vibrancy to rural communities. “
The City of Independence states that while it will no longer continue its partnership with Welcoming America, the City remains committed to welcoming and inclusion.
