Evanston, IL Opposing Sections of the USA Patriot Act

Type: Resolution
Status: Introduced on 4/28/03 (disposition unclear)
Source File: http://www.cityofevanston.org/departments/humanrelations/pdf/patriot_act.pdf
Text
27-R-03
A RESOLUTION Opposing Sections of the USA Patriot Act
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Human Relations Commission (hereinafter
known as The Commission) shall be to foster, encourage and stimulate the
improvement of human relations among and between citizens of all races, colors,
creeds, national origins and economic education levels so as to provide all individuals
with an equal opportunity to grow, participate and share to the best of their ability in our
economic, educational, political, social and judicial systems; and
WHEREAS, the City of Evanston proudly houses a diverse population, including
many residents from other nations, whose contributions to our community are vital to its
character and function; and
WHEREAS, the City of Evanston shall attempt to uphold fundamental rights and
prevent the abuse of civil rights afforded to its residents; and
WHEREAS, the United States Constitution generally guarantees all persons
living in the United States fundamental rights including freedom of religion, speech and
assembly; protection from unreasonable searches and seizures; due process and equal
protection; right to counsel; and a fair and speedy trial; and
WHEREAS, a great crime against humanity on September 11, 2001 resulted in
new federal laws and enforcement powers, including the USA Patriot Act (hereinafter
known as the Act), signed by President George W. Bush on October 26, 2001; and
WHEREAS, the Act appears to weaken or contradict the above mentioned
fundamental rights; and
WHEREAS, the Act significantly expands the government’s ability to access
sensitive medical, mental health, financial and educational records about individuals,
lowers the burden of proof required to conduct secret searches and telephone or
internet surveillance, increases federal law enforcement authority to obtain library
records and prohibits librarians from informing patrons about monitoring or information
requests; and
WHEREAS, privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought and
free association; in a library, the subject of users interests should not be examined or
scrutinized by others; and
WHEREAS, the interpretations and applications of the Act and Executive Orders
under this Act may encourage racial and ethnic profiling of both citizens and noncitizens;
and
WHEREAS, the preservation of fundamental rights and civil liberties is a pillar of
American society and is essential to the well-being of our democracy, particularly during
times of conflict when such rights, especially those of immigrants and ethnic minorities,
may be threatened, intentionally or unintentionally, under false pretense of national
security or patriotic zeal; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement and security measures that undermine
fundamental rights do irreparable damage to American institutions and values of equal
justice and freedom that the residents of the City of Evanston hold dear; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS:
SECTION 1. That the City of Evanston, while opposing terrorism, insists that
efforts to end terrorism not be waged at the expense of fundamental rights and civil
liberties.
SECTION 2. That the City of Evanston opposes those measures that single out
individuals for legal scrutiny or enforcement activity based solely on their country of
origin, religion, ethnicity or immigration status.
SECTION 3. That the City Clerk is hereby directed to communicate this
Resolution to all City Departments and employees, Illinois Congregational Delegation,
to all Human/Community Relations Commissions in the State of Illinois, the Governor
and Attorney General of Illinois, the Illinois State Police, the United States Attorney
General, and the President of the United States.
SECTION 4. That the City of Evanston urges Congress to repeal the
U.S.A. Patriot Act and to refrain from passing any further legislation that violates or
unduly limits the civil rights and liberties guaranteed by the United States Constitution.
SECTION 5. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after
its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.
Category:City Governments
Category:Civil Rights
Category:Illinois
Category:Resolutions