Supporting President Barack Obama in his condemnation of the terrorist organization Boko Haram and further supporting the President's efforts to assure the safe return of the kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls.

WHEREAS, In April, 2014, nearly 300 Nigerian schoolgirls were abducted by the terrorist organization Boko Haram; and

WHEREAS, It is believed that the young women were targeted because of their desire to obtain an education; and

WHEREAS, Many nations and organizations have condemned the actions of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, demanding the safe return of the kidnapped girls; and

WHEREAS, The condemnation of the groups heinous actions has produced many protests in Nigeria and a wellspring of activism around the world; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote, “An injustice to one is an injustice to all” has been adopted by the citizens of Nigeria by referring to the kidnap victims as “Our Girls”; and

WHEREAS, The rally cry, “Bring Back Our Girls,” has been adopted by many organizations and garnered online support from many individuals with online social media trending the hashtag: #bringbackour girls; and

WHEREAS, According to Secretary of State John Kerry, “The United States has been engaged in efforts to assist the Nigerian Government since the beginning of this crisis;” and

WHEREAS, Given the gravity of the situation, President Barack Obama recently announced that American military and law-enforcement personnel will coordinate with Nigerian officials and will exercise every means available to assist in the safe and speedy recovery of the missing girls; and

WHEREAS, President Obama has not only reaffirmed that the time has come to deal with the broader issues associated with terrorist organizations who cause havoc in the day-to-day lives of many; and

WHEREAS, Girls, women, and all children, all over the world, should be able to attend school and be educated in a peaceful environment free of intimidation and persecution; and

WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of Philadelphia sends its support and prayers to the families and loved ones of the abducted Nigerian schoolgirls, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Council supports President Barack Obama in his condemnation of the terrorist organization Boko Haram and further supports the President's efforts to assure the safe return of the kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls.

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