Flagstaff Resolution

Flagstaff City Council Resolution No. 2002-91, passed 4-3 by the Council on December 17, 2002.

A Resolution Reaffirming the City of Flagstaff's Commitment to Civil Liberties

Whereas, the City of Flagstaff has a long and distinguished history of protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of its residents; and

Whereas, the City of Flagstaff houses a diverse population, including students, working people, and non-citizens, whose contributions to the community are vital to its character and function; and

Whereas, the City Council of Flagstaff is committed to upholding the human rights of all persons in Flagstaff and their free exercise and enjoyment of any and all rights and privileges secured by our constitutions and laws of the United States, the State of Arizona and the City of Flagstaff; and
Whereas, effective means of ensuring the security of our people must be balanced against the reductions in basic civil liberties; and

Whereas, several actions recently taken by the federal government, including the adoption of the USA Patriot Act, several Executive Orders, and the Homeland Security Act may allow the federal government, when pursuing matters of security, to sacrifice fundamental liberties protected by due process and "probable" cause including freedom of speech, assembly, and privacy; the right to legal counsel and due process in judicial proceedings; and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, all of which are guaranteed by the constitutions of Arizona and the United States; and

Whereas, national responses to extremist threats can be both effective in reducing such threats and still respect our Constitution's most basic and treasured freedoms;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FLAGSTAFF:
Section 1. That the City of Flagstaff, acting in the spirit and history of our community, hereby requests that:
1. All City Departments continue their strong commitment to preserve residents' freedom of speech, religion, assembly and privacy; the right to counsel and due process in judicial proceedings and the protection of unreasonable searches and seizures.
2. Any federal or state law enforcement officials acting within the City of Flagstaff work in accordance with the policies and procedures of the City of Flagstaff and when cooperating with City Departments, continue to guarantee the fundamental constitutional rights of all Flagstaff residents.
3. Our Congressional delegation monitor the implementation of the Acts and Orders cited herein and advocate for the protection of fundamental rights and liberties guaranteed by the United States and Arizona Constitutions.

Section 2. This resolution shall become effective upon adoption.