Yellow Springs council adopts resolution condemning harassment of Springfield’s Haitian community

The Yellow Springs village council unanimously adopted Resolution 2024‑61 condemning harassment and violence directed at Springfield, Ohio’s Haitian community and pledging local assistance to affected neighbors.

The chair opened the meeting by asking a participant to read the resolution in full; April Wolford read a statement that cited a rise in threats and hateful social‑media posts and named regional leaders who had responded. The resolution text states that “the village of Yellow Springs actively supports local efforts to meaningfully engage with the Haitian community members of Springfield, Ohio and will be involved in collaborative initiatives to provide assistance, resources, encouragement, and fellowship to our neighbors and friends.”

A council member moved adoption and the chair seconded. After brief supportive remarks from council and board participants, the chair called for a voice vote; those present answered “aye,” and the resolution was adopted.

Council members and community speakers framed the measure as a show of solidarity rather than a legal remedy. The packet included a draft resolution for the school board; board members noted they would discuss and vote on their version at a subsequent regular meeting.

The resolution cites reported bomb threats and inflammatory rhetoric directed at the Haitian community at the national level; the reading attributed those references to the resolution text rather than to independent verification by the village. Officials said the action was intended to publicly condemn racist and xenophobic attacks and to offer assistance to neighboring communities.

The council did not identify specific new funding or programs tied to the resolution at the meeting; officials said they would follow up with partners and community organizations about next steps.