By Nestor CASTIGLIONE

Glendale City Council last month passed resolutions reaffirming the city’s commitment to protecting demographical minorities from harassment and abuse. Immigrant and LGBT communities, in particular, have expressed concern over perceptions that the administration of President Donald Trump will weaken existing protections.

Since taking office, the White House has issued travel bans extending to several Muslim-majority countries and reversed course on the Obama administration’s federal guidance to schools concerning the use of bathrooms by transgender children.

At the March 28 meeting, Council resolved to support Glendale Police Dept. (GPD) Chief Robert Castro’s public statement on his department’s stance on illegal immigrants.

“The [GPD] does not have the authority nor the responsibility to incarcerate or detain individuals solely based on immigration status,” read his statement. “Our fundamental duties are based on public safety – serving the community, while focusing efforts primarily on crime prevention and law enforcement. Our responsibility is to protect the lives of the community we are sworn to serve and honor the principles of democracy upon which this country was founded.”

A press release by the city stated that Chief Castro’s statement “reflects the core values of the Glendale community.”

At the same meeting, Council passed a resolution condemning discrimination against the LGBT community. A press release stated that Council hoped that its resolution would urge other communities to affirm protections for the LGBT community.

“Recognizing that Glendale remains a premier place to do business and live, the resolution rejects the notion that a person should be judged for housing or work based on an intrinsic part of themselves rather than their qualifications,” read the release. “All people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of the state.”

  Nestor CASTIGLIONE