A City of Respect named – Pictured during a special recognition at a City Council meeting on Feb. 17 are ADL Board Member and Sugar Land resident Ian Scharfman, Community of Respect Project Coordinator La Monica Yarbrough, ADL Southwest Regional Board Chair Franklin J. Harberg Jr. Sugar Land Mayor James A. Thompson, Sugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard and ADL Board member Laura Rahlfs.

Two years after being named the nation’s first “Community of Respect,” the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recognized Sugar Land for the third straight year for its ongoing commitment to foster an inclusive and respectful community.

The ADL formally presented its 2009 “Community of Respect” award to Sugar Land during a City Council meeting on Jan. 5, which is reflective of the City Council’s goal of being an “Inclusive Community.”

The “Community of Respect” program is an initiative to help governments, non-profit organizations, faith institutions, businesses and institutes of higher learning create an atmosphere that rejects prejudice and fosters respect and an appreciation for diversity.

The City was specifically recognized for several initiatives:

• The City Manager’s Multi-Cultural Advisory Team hosted Chinese, Asian-Indian and South Asian - Pakistani “101” sessions for key staff to learn more about the traditions and history of the respective communities in an effort to improve the City’s ability to meet the needs of all residents.

• The city hosted a Community Summit to receive input on the draft Vision 2025 and Guiding Principles document before moving forward with using it as the framework for a future amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.

ADL also recognized other city efforts, including support of the Dragon Boat Regatta and the Fort Bend Education Foundation International Festival, as well as plans for the city’s first-ever cultural kite festival.

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