On Feb. 12, the Lansing City Council voted to adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict overseas. The resolution, drafted by the Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, received an outpour of support from activists and community members alike, many of whom spoke at the event.

“I really see this as an opportunity to express hope, and that is worth a lot to me personally as a resident of the city of Lansing,” said Chelsea Roberts, a Lansing resident at the council meeting. 

Public comments regarding the ceasefire resolution spanned nearly an hour and a half before the motion was eventually passed.

One of the attendees and a resident of Lansing, Selkie Jones, spoke about what the adoption of such a resolution means for the Lansing community.

“City council is meant to represent the people of the city and by and large Lansing residents and Michigan residents support a ceasefire,” Jones said. “That’s honestly how the whole country and the world feels about this. Everyone is against the genocide.” 

Jones explained that the resolution itself isn’t what makes her optimistic for the future. 

“What gives me hope really is not these resolutions,” said Jones. “It’s the people that are doing that work.” 

Following the adoption of the ceasefire resolution, activist groups are looking ahead to the election with many calling on voters to boycott Biden and vote third party. One organization, Lansing for Palestine, has planned a Michigan State University mass volunteering event to promote voting uncommitted. This event will take place tonight at 7 p.m. in Bessey Hall room 113.