West Lafayette’s City Council voted 5-2 Monday night against a Gaza ceasefire resolution which has been primarily urged on by student activist groups like Young Democratic Socialists of America, which have been advocating for the cause since March.
The resolution was drafted by counselors Laila Veidemanis and Iris O'Donnell Bellisario, and they were the only members of the council who voted in favor of it.
“I think after three city meetings, seeing people dedicate their time, we felt like it became something we wanted to bring to the table, whether or not it’s voted on, it deserves a chance,” Veidemanis said.
The monthly council meeting was again filled past capacity, and featured many passionate community speakers who voiced their opinions on the resolution.
Not everyone was in favor of the resolution passing. People who voiced their dissent mentioned the council's scope of authority, whether it’s really a local issue and how it might create further division.
“It’s not that I desire the hostilities to continue. As a pastor, I believe in praying for peace — such as other places like Russia and Ukraine. I believe this resolution has exceeded the governing role of the council,” Brent Aucoin said.
Supporters of the resolution urged the council of the severity of the situation in Israel and in Gaza, why their voice matters as a community, the tides of federal decision-making in funding and calling for a ceasefire in an ongoing conflict and that the council's votes would be remembered.
“There is something common that is shared between everyone in this room," local activist Steven David said. "This common thing is a set of values that underpins everything we do; the primes: justice, virtue and truth.
"We can never turn away from a genocide. To turn away is to build walls. We don’t want to live in a community that is walled in."
When it came time for the vote, council members ultimately cited the purview of the council when it comes to resolutions like this.
"I agree with this sentiment that it’s a local issue because some of you have family members in grave danger,” vice president Kathy Parker said. "But I am very concerned about the precedent if we passed this resolution. Would we have people come to the council for other countries in war? My concern is that if we set this precedent, our scope of business will be taken to heights that aren't in our bounds.”
Despite the resolution not getting passed, members of student and community organizations had optimism they sparked a difference.
“I have nothing but respect and love for all the people who’ve shown out for our cause. I’m glad things were cordial and peaceful,” YDSA member Ishan Tripathi said. “Without us, the city council wouldn’t have acknowledged our efforts calling for a ceasefire. It gives me some comfort in knowing there’s still hope.”
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