Council approves VAWA grant application over council member's objections

Lancaster City Council on Feb. 9 approved a resolution authorizing the Law Director's Office to apply for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant funds, with an 8-1 roll call.

Council member Mr. Knisley announced he would vote "no," arguing the grant program's data-collection requirements could "essentially turn the city into a federal data-gathering arm." He also raised concerns about due process and the potential for firearms to be seized "before legal proceedings are finalized," and asserted that the program imposes specific diversity, equity and inclusion and gender identity requirements on the city.

Law Director Stephanie Hall responded directly that the VAWA grant's non-discrimination clause is meant to "ensure that all individuals have equal access to funded services, rather than imposing broad social mandates." On questions about firearm seizures and due process, Hall said the city follows established legal procedures: receipts are issued for confiscated weapons and "they are returned if no conviction occurs," and restrictions on firearm access for those convicted of domestic violence are driven by law enforcement and court processes rather than grant conditions. She characterized the office's approach as balancing public safety with legal protections.

President Pro-Temp Schoonover framed the vote in practical terms, saying grant funds are "vital for covering the cost of a city prosecutor" and that the city has seen a significant volume of domestic violence calls, especially in winter months. He argued that available funding is necessary to ensure cases are prosecuted effectively.

After discussion the council voted to approve Temporary Resolution 7-26; the roll call recorded eight yes votes and one no (Mr. Knisley). The resolution directs the Law Director's Office to apply for VAWA grant funds; no funding amounts or program-specific mandates were specified in the meeting record.