A Resolution Reaffirming the Commitment of the Borough of State College to the Freedoms Guaranteed by the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions

WHEREAS, the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania guarantee freedom of speech, religion, and assembly; the right to counsel and due process in judicial proceedings; and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures for all persons;

WHEREAS, the preservation of civil rights and liberties is essential to the well-being of a democratic society; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of State College Council affirms its strong opposition to terrorism, but also affirms that any efforts to end terrorism not be waged at the expense of essential civil rights and liberties of the people of the Borough of State College; and

WHEREAS, government security measures that undermine fundamental rights do damage to the American institutions and values that the people of the Borough of State College hold dear; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of State College Council believes that there is no inherent conflict between national security and the preservation of liberty -- Americans can be both safe and free; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of State College Council is motivated by the commitment to uphold the human rights of all persons in the Borough of State College and the free exercise and enjoyment of any and all rights and privileges secured by the constitutions and laws of the United States, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Borough of State College; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of State College houses a diverse student and working population, including non-citizens, whose contributions to the community are vital to its character and function; and

WHEREAS, several acts and orders enacted at the federal level to combat terrorism may threaten these fundamental rights and liberties including freedom of speech, religion, and assembly; the rights to counsel and due process in judicial proceedings; and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, all guaranteed by the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough of State College Council affirm its strong resolve to fight terrorism, but also affirm that any actions to end terrorism must not be waged at the expense of fundamental liberties, rights, and freedoms of all people regardless of race, culture, and ethnicity; and further

BE IT RESOLVED that the Borough of State College join nearly 400 communities and seven states across the nation in expressing concern that proposed laws to fight terrorism may threaten civil rights and liberties guaranteed under the United States Constitution; and further

BE IT RESOLVED that the Borough of State College Council affirm that it shall continue to abide by the law of the land preserving those rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. and the Pennsylvania Constitutions, including freedom of speech, religion, and assembly; the right to counsel and due process in legal proceedings; and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures; and further

BE IT RESOLVED that the Borough of State College Council urge Congress to perform due diligence in upholding such protections; and further

BE IT RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be duly signed and transmitted to all locally elected Federal and State officers, the Attorney General of the United States, and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.