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Resolution condemning President Donald J. Trump’s unconstitutional actions and threats to American democracy.
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WHEREAS, the Constitution of the United States establishes a system of checks and balances designed to protect democratic governance and secure individual liberties for all people, including young Americans who will inherit this system;
WHEREAS, young people rely on stable democratic institutions to safeguard their future, ensure fair elections, protect civil rights, and maintain trust in government;
WHEREAS, various actions taken by President Donald J. Trump during his presidency and current term have been widely described by legal scholars, civil rights organizations, and public officials as undermining constitutional norms, including actions related to election processes, civil liberties, and the balance of powers; and such instability directly affects youth, who depend on predictable democratic systems to participate in civic life, vote in future elections, and trust that their voices matter;
WHEREAS, the events surrounding January 6, 2021, including the attack on the U.S. Capitol, followed rhetoric from President Trump that challenged the legitimacy of the 2020 election, and multiple investigations and court findings have since documented efforts to overturn certified election results; and these events have shaped an entire generation’s understanding of civic engagement, causing many young people to fear political violence, distrust election integrity, and question whether peaceful transitions of power can be relied upon in their adulthood;
WHEREAS, President Trump has repeatedly criticized judges, journalists, and lawful investigations, and his administration has taken actions affecting civil liberties, including policies related to immigration enforcement, protest restrictions, and limitations on diversity-related programs; and these actions directly affect youth, particularly: immigrant youth, who may fear family separation or uncertainty about their legal status; LGBTQ+ youth, who may feel erased or unsupported when federal agencies restrict inclusive language or programs; Black, Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and other youth of color, who may experience increased anxiety when civil rights protections are weakened or diversity initiatives are removed; all youth, who depend on a free press, independent courts, and transparent government to learn accurate information and participate confidently in civic life;
WHEREAS, President Trump has repeatedly expressed support for ending birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to non-citizen parents, despite the Fourteenth Amendment’s long-standing definition of citizenship; and this creates fear and uncertainty for youth from immigrant families, many of whom worry about losing rights, being separated from loved ones, or being treated as less American despite being born and raised in the United States;
WHEREAS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducts interior immigration enforcement that includes detaining individuals-many of whom have no criminal history-in facilities that advocacy organizations have described as overcrowded, unsanitary, or otherwise inhumane. ICE operations often target or sweep up regular immigrants, including long-time residents, parents, and community members who pose no threat to public safety. These practices have profound effects on youth, especially those in mixed-status families, who experience heightened fear of family separation, anxiety about the safety of detained loved ones, and emotional distress from seeing community members treated harshly. Such conditions can lead to declines in school attendance, reduced participation in extracurricular and civic activities, and long-term mental-health impacts as young people struggle with instability, stigma, and uncertainty about their families’ futures;
WHEREAS, actions that weaken constitutional protections, undermine election legitimacy, or target vulnerable communities pose long-term risks to the rule of law and the stability of democratic institutions; and young people are uniquely impacted, as they will live longest with the consequences of weakened democratic norms, reduced civil rights protections, and increased political polarization;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the South San Francisco Youth Commission expresses concern regarding actions and rhetoric by President Donald J. Trump that youth believe threaten constitutional principles and democratic stability;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Youth Commission reaffirms its commitment to civic education, democratic participation, and the protection of constitutional rights for all young people in South San Francisco;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be transmitted to the City Council, and that the Youth Commission will continue to advocate for a democratic system that protects the rights, safety, and future of all youth.