LYNN — A resolution aimed at condemning federal actions and affirming democratic principles is moving forward in Lynn, with a City Council vote expected on May 12.

The measure is part of a broader regional effort known as the North Shore Resolutions Project, which has been organized across multiple communities. During a recent public comment session, Lynn resident Marilyn Regan described the growing coalition and its goals.

“Together, we have been working on resolutions to present to our city and town governments to raise the public’s awareness of constitutional violations and tyranny under the current administration,” she said to the council.

Regan connected the modern effort to historical precedent, noting that such “resolves” date back to the Revolutionary War era, when colonial towns formally condemned British rule. She argued that similar concerns about rights and governance are resurfacing today.

“The resolves date back to the Revolutionary War, condemning the actions of King George and the British Parliament,” she said, referencing policies like the tax on tea and the revocation of the Massachusetts Bay Charter.

She continued, “Today, here in Lynn, the federal government is trampling the rights of our residents to simply live their lives, walk the streets, send children to school, and go to work.”

Her remarks also emphasized Lynn’s historical identity as a city with deep roots in social justice movements. She pointed to its role in the Underground Railroad and its association with Frederick Douglass, arguing that the resolution aligns with that legacy.

“Therefore, it is fitting that Lynn condemns the actions of the current administration and calls on Congress to uphold our constitutional rights,” Regan said, adding that the resolution also urges investigation into “corruption, murder, unlawful occupation, deportation, and disregard for due process and separation of powers.”

Regan framed the effort as part of a broader national movement, noting that dozens of municipalities have already adopted similar measures. She also cited research suggesting that sustained civic engagement can be effective in resisting authoritarian trends.

“These resolutions are a way of achieving this goal,” she said, urging councilors to support the measure unanimously.

City Councilor Brian LaPierre, who has voiced support for the resolution, stated in a follow-up interview that while such measures are non-binding, they serve as an important means for local governments to express their values and concerns.

“When we do resolutions like this… I think this is just sort of another way in which we’re pushing back,” LaPierre said, particularly on federal immigration enforcement policies.

He pointed to a recent case involving a paraprofessional connected to Lynn Public Schools as an example of what he described as overreach.

According to LaPierre, the educator who was identified as Mariela, works in a Lynn school but is a Salem resident and is now facing deportation proceedings stemming from what he described as a routine traffic stop.

Community members have rallied around her, with a petition drawing thousands of signatures in a short period of time, as supporters advocate for her to remain in the country as a single working mother.

“That’s an example of an overreach,” he said, adding that the city’s large immigrant population makes the issue especially relevant.

LaPierre said the resolution is currently undergoing legal review and is expected to return to the council for consideration at the next city council meeting.

“We’re anticipating that that will come back to us for the May 12 meeting,” he said. “It will be on the agenda… and we are able to vote on it.”

Beyond immigration, LaPierre framed the resolution as part of a broader effort to “avoid an authoritarian government” and reinforce democratic norms.

He cited concerns about federal agencies, education funding, and the balance of power in Washington as motivating factors.

“We’re trying to restore democracy and protect residents,” he said, describing the measure as one way to “give people a voice” at the local level.

He also encouraged residents to stay engaged ahead of the vote, whether by attending public events or participating in demonstrations.

For supporters, the resolution represents both a symbolic stance and a call to action. As Regan put it, “We can win if we remain united in our resolve, words, and actions.”