OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee received the Humanitarian Award for Leadership for his support of refugees and immigrants from the International Rescue Committee. The award was presented at IRC’s 40th anniversary dinner event on Friday in Seattle.
“At a time when many governors were shutting the door and publically denouncing refugee resettlement, Governor Jay Inslee demonstrated the courage of his convictions by speaking out and welcoming refugees into the State of Washington,” said Nicky Smith, executive director of IRC. “His voice of reason and humanity is a beacon of hope for refugees and immigrants, and continues a 40 year legacy of Washington being a welcoming state, and Seattle a welcoming city. For this reason, the International Rescue Committee Seattle recognizes the outstanding leadership of Governor Jay Inslee with the 2016 Humanitarian Award for Leadership.”
Inslee late last year wrote an op-ed for the New York Times and conducted an NPR interview affirming Washington’s history and continued commitment to welcoming refugees.
“I am honored to receive this award. We must and will continue to stand together as a state that welcomes those seeking refuge from persecution, regardless of where they come from or the religion they practice,” Inslee said.