Evanston’s cease-fire resolution addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict has deeply engaged the city’s politically-active residents. Around 60 individuals participated in public comment at the Jan. 8 City Council meeting, many sharing their views on the proposed resolution, even though it wasn’t on the agenda.
The monthslong discourse has not only fueled discussion but also an ethics complaint against the city’s Equity and Empowerment Commission.
The cease-fire resolution was withdrawn by the Equity and Empowerment Commission at its Nov. 30 meeting, following Commissioner Jane Grover’s notion that the city’s legal department alleged it was outside the commission’s purview. However, some Evanston residents still find it pertinent that the City Council consider the resolution.
“As a human being, I am compelled to beg for the cease-fire resolution,” resident Anya Cordell said at the Jan. 8 City Council meeting. “There is probably no attic in Gaza where an adolescent girl can safely shelter and write a diary of her experiences (like Anne Frank). If there were such a diary, it would inspire future generations to ask how the world allowed the liquidation of Gaza civilians.”
Evanston’s proposed resolution was brought forth by the Equity and Empowerment Commission rather than the mayor or a City Council member, Interim Communications Manager Jessica Mayo told Pioneer Press. The Equity and Empowerment Commission is now under investigation after 3rd Ward resident Greg Miller recently filed an ethics complaint against it.
Miller’s complaint alleges the commission is exceeding its boundaries of addressing Evanston’s historical and structural problems related to racism. He alleges the commission should limit its work toward services, programs and policies within the city as outlined in the Code of Ordinances.
Miller declined to provide a statement to Pioneer Press.
“In developing and disseminating this resolution, the commission has breached professional ethics in multiple regards,” Miller’s complaint reads. “They are misusing their authority and visibility as city leaders to promote views about an issue far outside the scope of their management. They are misusing city resources that are specifically allocated for achieving equity in Evanston, and in doing so, appropriating time and money that could be devoted toward that vital goal.”
Equity and Empowerment Commission Chair Darlene Cannon told Pioneer Press the resolution could have a local impact. She said the conflict in Israel and Palestine emotionally impacts Evanstonians on both sides of the issue.
“You’d have to be inhumane to not be impacted by this. What’s going on in the world globally will at some point impact us locally,” Cannon, who was shocked by the ethics complaint, said. “The travesty of what happened on Oct. 7 followed by the lives lost in Gaza, it’s concerning that innocent children are being killed. That impacts (residents) whether it’s happening here or somewhere else.”
Those opposing the resolution say the commission’s draft is one-sided and favors Palestine without properly addressing Israeli losses and antisemitism.
“The cease-fire resolution … places the blame of the conflict squarely on Israel while neglecting to mention anything about the Hamas’ atrocities of Oct. 7,” 7th Ward resident Shana Sexton said.
A group of residents worked to draft a new resolution acknowledging the pain felt by both sides. The resident-drafted resolution is not being considered by city government at this time but residents are lobbying local officials for it to go before the City Council. As of Jan. 16, no official referral has been made by an elected official, according to the referral tracker. The new, resident-driven draft includes sentiments addressing the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the more than 20,000 lives lost due to Israeli forces and Israeli hostages being held in captivity.
“We’re calling and having meetings with City Council members and going to meetings. We’re lobbying clergy members and the mayor,” resident Lesley Williams said. “There are a lot of people who are determined to do this.”
At least 15 municipalities have passed cease-fire resolutions, including Detroit, Atlanta and San Francisco. Chicago, Denver and Minneapolis are currently working on similar resolutions.
Corey Schmidt is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.