LAKEWOOD, Ohio - City officials this week issued a statement reassuring immigrants that Lakewood continues to welcome them and celebrate diversity "in the wake of President Donald Trump's executive orders on immigration policy."
This week's statement follows City Council's unanimous adoption last month of a resolution reaffirming Lakewood's "commitment to hope, equality, tolerance, inclusion, and optimism."
A copy of that resolution appears at the bottom of this story.
Lakewood City Council President Sam O'LearyFile photo"This resolution puts all on notice that we will not consent to discrimination, registries, and targeting," City Council President Sam O'Leary said. "We renew our dedication to thoughtful public service and our belief that communities can be helpfully served by wise decisions and respectful deliberation. We will not allow society to be dragged backwards but instead rededicate ourselves to leading it forward."
The city since its inception has welcomed immigrants, according to city officials. In addition, Lakewood is a city with a history of tolerance and a welcoming spirit for the LGBTQ community.
Recent developments prompted the city this week to take another step by issuing a public statement on its website reassuring immigrants that they are welcome in the community.
Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers"There was an increasing pattern of communication particularly from President Trump that put many residents in Lakewood who are immigrants in a great state of uncertainty, concern and fear," Mayor Michael Summers said. "I wanted the citizens in our community to know that they have equal protection under the law and that all our services, including public safety, are certainly available to them and are working for them."
Summers said he is committed to a thoughtful, strong, and effective response to policies that adversely affect the vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods of Lakewood.
"This city will protect all citizens regardless of race or creed. We will especially support those who might be singled out. Each of us has an obligation and, I fear, likely opportunities to assert inclusive behavior that welcomes all in the face of discriminatory attacks."
Summers urged Lakewood residents to be prepared to speak up and defend vulnerable neighbors.
The mayor recently met with members of the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations as well as the leaders of the Turkish American Cultural Organization in Lakewood to reaffirm the city's support and to find ways to improve communication and mutual understanding.
Lakewood is not alone in addressing the issue of immigrants and inclusion.
Beachwood City Council this week passed its own resolution welcoming immigrants and objecting to a recent executive order from the White House that temporarily restricts entry to the United States for residents of Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Libya and Yemen.
Trump's stated goal for the action was to better protect U.S. citizens from possible homeland terrorist actions. However, the executive order has led to protests and questions of legality around the United States.
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