WHEREAS, the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution affirms that “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated,” establishing a foundational protection for personal privacy and individual liberty in the American republic; and

WHEREAS, these protections remain essential to preserving public trust, civil liberties and the rule of law in a democratic society, ensuring that governmental authority is exercised with respect for constitutional boundaries and the inherent rights of all people; and

WHEREAS, Hillsborough, North Carolina, holds a distinguished place in American history as the host of the Constitutional Convention from July 21 to August 4, 1788, where delegates from across North Carolina met to debate the newly proposed U.S. Constitution; and

WHEREAS, on August 1, 1788, the delegates to the convention in Hillsborough debated a series of Declaration of Rights, including No. 14, which read, “That every freeman has a right to be secure from all unreasonable searches and seizures of his person, his papers and property; all warrants therefore to search suspected places, or to apprehend any suspected person without specially naming or describing the place or person, are dangerous and ought not to be granted”; and

WHEREAS, delegates at the Hillsborough convention were so concerned about the absence of explicit protections for individual liberties that they refused to ratify the Constitution without assurances that a bill of rights would be added, thereby contributing materially to the adoption of the Bill of Rights, including the Fourth Amendment; and

WHEREAS, Hillsborough’s role in urging constitutional protections helped ensure that future generations would enjoy the liberties and safeguards that define American constitutional democracy; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Hillsborough continues to value and uphold the principles of privacy, freedom from unreasonable government intrusion, and respect for civil liberties that are embedded in the Fourth Amendment; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Hillsborough can serve as an example of how local governments can advocate for the rights of all local community members and businesses and discourage the overreach of federal executive branch agencies in our communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners:

1. The Town of Hillsborough reaffirms its strong support for the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and its vital protections for personal privacy and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures; and
2. The Town of Hillsborough encourages continued education, public awareness and civic engagement regarding the rights preserved in the Constitution and the ongoing importance of safeguarding fundamental liberties for all members of the community; and
3. The Board of Commissioners directs town staff to appropriately prioritize and explore resources and make recommendations regarding how town staff, community members and businesses can protect their constitutional rights as enshrined in the Fourth Amendment.

Approved this 24th day of November of the year 2025.

Mark Bell, Mayor