Whitehall residents rally for resolutions supporting immigrant and LGBTQIA+ rights

In the heart of Whitehall, Ohio, the city council meeting on April 1, 2025, became a platform for voices advocating for inclusivity and safety within the community. As residents gathered, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency and solidarity, particularly surrounding Resolution 10 20 25, aimed at protecting immigrants and marginalized groups from federal deportation policies.

Shana Solomon, one of the first speakers, shared her personal experiences as an immigrant, expressing the fear that has gripped many in the community. "The threat of mass deportation is terrifying," she stated, highlighting the anxiety that permeates conversations among friends and neighbors about carrying necessary documentation. Solomon emphasized that the resolution would foster trust within the community, ensuring that immigrants are not treated as second-class citizens during routine interactions with law enforcement.

Echoing her sentiments, Stephanie Reynolds, an educator and member of the LGBTQ community, spoke passionately about the impact of current national policies on immigrant families. "It would be devastating and heartbreaking for them to deal with the things that are happening at large in the country right now," she said, urging council members to support both Resolution 10 20 25 and a related measure, Resolution 11 20 25, which aims to protect transgender individuals from discrimination.

The meeting also featured Diane Peters, who praised the council's composition and qualifications, countering criticisms about its diversity. She recited a poignant poem that underscored the importance of speaking out against injustice, regardless of personal affiliation. "First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I wasn't a socialist," she recited, reminding attendees of the dangers of indifference.

Steven Canedo, another resident, reflected on his family's immigrant history, emphasizing the strength that diversity brings to the community. "By supporting each other, we build a stronger community," he asserted, reinforcing the idea that Whitehall's identity is intertwined with its immigrant population.

As the meeting progressed, the council members listened intently, weighing the implications of the resolutions. The discussions highlighted a growing movement across the country advocating for sanctuary policies, with supporters citing statistics that suggest lower crime rates in sanctuary jurisdictions compared to non-sanctuary areas.

The evening concluded with a palpable sense of hope and determination among the speakers and attendees. The council's decision on Resolution 10 20 25 could mark a significant step toward ensuring that Whitehall remains a welcoming and safe haven for all its residents, regardless of their background. As the community awaits the council's vote, the voices of its members resonate with a powerful message: unity and compassion can pave the way for a brighter future.