Franklin is not unlike other communities in that we have growing concerns about incidents of adult and youth violence, drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, and intolerance around race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability and ethnic background. We want to be a community that is courageous and farsighted enough to say; "Yes, these problems exist; but no, we won't tolerate them." These problems and issues affect every one of us either directly or indirectly. Therefore, we must all work together to address these matters.
We the people of Franklin, in order to encourage mutual respect and acceptance of diversity in our community, maintain that each of us has the right to live, work, pray, study, and play without fear of discrimination and disrespect, acts of violence and desecration, abuse, or neglect.
Regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or ethnic background, we believe individuals have a right to full and equal participation in the community.
In order to achieve these goals, we as a community shall work together to live by the following guiding principles:
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All people, regardless of age and experience, shall be held accountable for their actions;
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Adults and children shall treat each other with dignity and respect;
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Parents shall accept responsibility for their children and guide them to make wise and responsible choices;
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Elected officials and town employees, through their authority and actions, shall reinforce these ideals.
