GLDSA Statement of Dissent on WL City Council's Rejection of Gaza Ceasefire Resolution

Greater Lafayette Democratic Socialists of America strongly disagrees with the West Lafayette City Council’s rejection of a proposal calling for an end to violence in Gaza.

Opponents of the resolution claimed it is beyond the scope of local politics. This is specious. The city council is one avenue through which the people can make their voices heard. Across the country, city councils have passed resolutions similar to this one calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. In not adding its voice to this growing movement, the City Council has failed the citizens of West Lafayette.

The resolution would have sent a message that the people of West Lafayette stand against militarism and violence against civilians and for peace and justice. As citizens of a region that is currently seeing an expansion of military-industrial complex investment, we do not view this as some far away “international” issue, but something that touches all of our lives.

We applaud the work of local organizers, especially the young people in Students for Justice in Palestine and Purdue Young Democratic Socialists, in pushing for this resolution.