On Monday, July 10, 2017, the Shorewood, WI village board voted 7-0 to approve the Resolution for Justice and Dignity that was presented by the Shorewood Solidarity Network (SSN). This unanimous vote demonstrated a commitment by Shorewood and its residents to “promote the principle of universal respect for the dignity of all” regardless of “race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, sexual orientation, sexual or gender identity, or disability.” The passage of this resolution was a positive victory for all who live, work, shop, visit or pass through Shorewood.

While the 7-0 vote, would indicate a human rights statement resolution was an easy accomplishment, the actual process demonstrates the importance of strong organization and involvement by community members.

The Shorewood Solidarity Network is a diverse group of residents and friends who want to make sure that Shorewood does its part to resist deportations, racism and exclusion as well as build economic and social justice through solidarity in the Milwaukee area and beyond. As part of the local effort, the SSN presented the village of Shorewood with a resolution as well as an ordinance Establishing a Fair and Welcoming Village to all People. After discussion with village staff, the SSN determined that it would work to pass a resolution first, thus paving the way for an ordinance.  

The SSN thought an agreement on a resolution had been reached, with only minor language adjustments, after participating in a June 5 Public Safety committee meeting. However, a few days before the village board would have voted on the resolution, the village attorney and village manager had significantly altered it by replacing broad language with specific language focused on policing. At that point, the importance of a united group of community members became essential, as the SSN steadfastly objected to proposed changes and pushed the village manager, village attorney and Public Safety committee to present the resolution as written by SSN to the full board.

Simultaneously, the group began building turnout for the July 10 meeting by coordinating with Milwaukee area community organizations Voces de la Frontera and Accion Ciudadana, reaching out to other organizations in the Northern suburbs such as Grassroots Northshore, as well as signing up interested individuals at the Shorewood Farmer’s Market and 4^th of July Parade.

At the actual board meeting, there was debate over the term “immigration status” in two of the resolution articles. During Public Safety committee meetings, village staff had had specific concerns with the terms “gender identity” and “immigration status” being included in the groups shielded from discrimination. While the SSN convinced the village attorney that “gender identity” must remain in the list, the lawyer wrote in his analysis that the village board should pass the resolution, but amend it to remove “immigration status.” Fortunately, board members were persuaded by arguments from SSN as well as a crowd of resolution supporters waving yellow signs saying “Yes”, “Justice”, “Justicia”, and “Pass It” and approved the resolution with “immigration status” included in protected groups.

The passage of the Resolution for Justice and Dignity was clearly a victory for all village residents and people who have an interest in Shorewood.  Shorewood Solidarity Network also believes this type of positive, proactive and strongly worded initiative should be useful for municipalities around the area and state to emulate. For the first time, the Shorewood Village Board outlined progressive and tolerant ideals that will be used to ensure all who come into the village of Shorewood have a level of protection from discrimination. While this resolution is a great first step, the Shorewood Solidarity Network looks forward to working with village staff on writing ordinances which further ensure that the village’s ideals are followed with actions.      

For further information about the Shorewood Solidarity Network, please email at  [email protected]or visit SSN facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/shorewoodsolidarity/