Council declares Shoreline to be an inviting, equitable, and safe community for all

On January 23, the Shoreline City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 401 declaring the City of Shoreline to be an inviting, equitable, and safe community for all.

Council passed the resolution as a way to restate the practices and policies of the City and the values that the Shoreline community has supported, especially in response to some incidents of hate and bullying that have been reported in Shoreline.

The resolution states, “As leaders in the community, we have a special responsibility not to stay silent in the face of discrimination, harassment or hate against any of our residents, and we choose to be a leader in protecting human rights, equity, public safety and social well-being.”

“It is important for us to say that we are a safe and welcoming community,” stated Mayor Chris Roberts. “We care about our residents and we want them to feel safe so they can fulfill their potential as a resident of this city and country.”

Resolution 401 also prohibits Shoreline Police Officers and City employees from inquiring into the immigration status of individuals, unless required by law or a court order. This affirms the policy of the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), with whom the City contracts for police services. KCSO prohibits personnel from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status and from engaging in activities to ascertain such status.

Although this is the case, it is important to note that Resolution 401 does not prevent cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Officials.

What it does mean is that in the ordinary course of business, Shoreline Police Officers and City employees will not inquire about an individual’s immigration status. Shoreline Police will continue to work with ICE Officials as required by law.

Shoreline follows other local communities, including Kirkland, Burien, Seattle, Olympia, and Everett, in reinforcing their commitments to acceptance, equal treatment, and safety for everyone in their communities.

The City recognizes and upholds the rights of individuals to be treated fairly and to live their lives with dignity and respect and free from discrimination or targeting because of their immigration status, faith, race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, age, ability, ethnicity, housing status, economic status, or other social status.

The City also strongly condemns any act of harassment, bullying, intimidation, violence, or other acts of hate.

The City is committed to ensuring that Shoreline remains a welcoming, inclusive, and safe community for all who live, work and visit here. The City will continue to work, in cooperation with our community partners, to ensure our services and programs are accessible and open to all individuals.