University City, MO Commitment to Civil Liberties

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 2/10/03 
Vote: In Favor - 4 Opposed - 2
Source File: http://www.aclu.org/safefree/resources/17206res20030220.html
Text:
Resolution Reaffirming the City of University City, Missouri's Commitment to Civil Liberties
WHEREAS, the City of University City has a long and distinguished history of protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of its residents; and
WHEREAS, the City of University City houses a diverse population of many nationalities, 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 University City is committed to upholding the human rights of all persons in University City 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 Missouri and the City of University City; 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 and the revised Attorney General Guidelines to the Federal Bureau of Investigation could result in infringing on 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 Missouri 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 UNIVERSITY CITY:
That the City of University City, acting in the spirit and history of our community, affirms its strong support for fundamental constitutional rights, as expressed in the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments, and its opposition to federal measures that could infringe on civil liberties, and hereby requests that:
The City Manager direct all city departments to 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 from unreasonable searches and seizures.
The City Manager advises any federal or state law enforcement officials, acting within the City of University City, work in accordance with the policies and procedures of the City and when cooperating with city departments, continue to guarantee the fundamental constitutional rights of all University City residents.
The City Manager inform federal and state law enforcement officials acting within the City of our desire that they not engage in or permit unlawful or unreasonable detentions, or permit racial profiling in law enforcement.
The City Manager direct University City employees and departments to refrain, to the extent permitted by law, from participating in or assisting with investigations, interrogations, or arrest procedures, public or clandestine, that they reasonably believe are unlawful as in violation of individuals' civil rights or civil liberties as enumerated in the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Our United States Representatives and Senators monitor the implementation of the Acts and Orders above enumerated and actively work for the repeal of any and all portions of the Acts and Orders that violate fundamental rights and liberties as stated in the U.S. Constitution and its Amendments.
Our United States Representatives and Senators actively oppose any and all legislation that abridges the Constitution or its amendments.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the provisions of this Resolution shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this Resolution is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be contrary to the Constitution of the United States or of the State of Missouri or the applicability thereof to any agency, person or circumstances is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of the Resolution and the applicability thereof to any other agency, person or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
Category:City Governments
Category:Civil Rights
Category:Missouri
Category:Resolutions