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Baker council adopts resolution promoting 'dignified discourse' in civic meetings
Summary
The City of Baker unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing a 'dignity index' framework to encourage respectful communication in public meetings and digital engagement.
The City of Baker adopted a resolution committing the council and participants to principles of respectful, constructive discourse and encouraging use of an evidence‑based 'dignity index' to assess public statements.
City Attorney read the resolution, which framed contemptuous language as a driver of polarization and proposed a non‑biased framework for assessing speech in civic and workplace settings. The attorney said the body "will strive to uphold the principles of dignity" in public statements, discussions and digital engagement.
A council member moved to adopt the measure, a second was recorded and the council voted to adopt the resolution by voice vote. The resolution includes language encouraging universal application without bias, and asks participants to observe standards of civility and avoid personal attacks.
The action is a policy statement intended to guide meeting conduct; it does not create an enforcement mechanism or change city code in this reading.
