Community Resolution for Southfield, MI

Resolution Affirming Principles of Federalism and Civil Liberties

WHEREAS, the City of Southfield, Michigan, is proud of its long and distinguished tradition of protecting the civil rights and liberties of its residents;

WHEREAS, the City of Southfield has a diverse population, including immigrants and students, whose contributions to the community are vital to its economy, culture and civic character;

WHEREAS, the City of Southfield is a strong supporting member of the National League of Cities;

WHEREAS, the National League of Cities, on December 13, 2003, passed a Resolution Affirming the Principles of Federalism and Civil Liberties;

WHEREAS, three states and more than two hundred fifty cities have enacted resolutions reaffirming civil rights and civil liberties;

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

WHEREAS, federal, state and local governments should protect the public from terrorist attacks such as those that occurred on September 11, 2001, but should do so in a rational and deliberative fashion to ensure that any new security measure enhances public safety without impairing constitutional rights and core civil liberties as expressed in the National League of Cities Resolution.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Southfield, Michigan, urges the United States Federal Government, its various branches, representatives and employees, to act in a manner that ensures that all individuals are afforded their appropriate rights to due process;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Southfield urges its Congressional delegation to review the USA PATRIOT Act for sections that may limit or violate fundamental rights and liberties protected by the Constitutions of the State of Michigan and the United States;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Southfield urges, to the extent legally possible, that no city resources may be used for unconstitutional activities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Southfield transmit copies of this adopted resolution to our United States Congressional members.