BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: (20220425-2b): Hate Incident Reporting WHEREAS, hate incidents have increased YoY across Austin and nationwide; and WHEREAS, there is documented confusion regarding the usage of Austin 311 and Online Reporting Tools to report hate crimes vs. “bias-based” incidents—as well as how to differentiate between the two; and WHEREAS, individuals looking to report hate crimes in good faith often refrain from doing so based either in that confusion or in fear of being charged with filing a false police report; and WHEREAS, there is no singular place to report hate crimes and/or incidents, with seven distinct recommended avenues published on the Austin and Travis County Hate Crimes Taskforce site; and WHEREAS, those reporting to APD must be prepared for a call back from an unknown number to take a report with three missed calls resulting in a closed case with no further action; and WHEREAS, reports being made through disparate entities creates barriers to aggregating and accurately understanding the nature of hate-based incidents in our city, meanwhile deflating overall numbers; and WHEREAS, the multilateral Hate Crimes Task Force exists and launched working groups to address antihate initiatives, it meets infrequently and has not issued a report since 2012; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission encourages the Austin City Council to: • • Ensure adequate coordination and collaboration between the offices of the County Sheriff, District Attorney, Austin Police Department and the various organizations listed as avenues for reporting hate incidents in the city of Austin Build a cohesive system to capture accurate data as well as analyze data for patterns to effectively assess trends in hate incidents and guide the city's proactive response. Date of Approval: April 25, 2022 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 6-0 vote with Commissioners Areche, Breckenridge, Brienzi, Brown and Brown absent. Attest: _____________________________________________
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, April 25, 2022 MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 25, 2022, at 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 5:37pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Sareta Davis. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabel Casas, Kristian Caballero, Idona Griffith, Maram Museitif and Alicia Weigel. Commissioners Absent: Malenie Areche, Jared Breckenridge, Kimberly Brienzi, Garry Brown, and Jamarr Brown. Staff in Attendance: Sammi Curless and Brie Franco. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL NONE. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Commission did not take action on the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 28, 2022, Regular Meeting and the March 28, 2022, Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. b. c. Discussion and briefing on legislation that passed that affects the city – presented by the City’s Intergovernmental Relations Office (IGRO) sponsored by (Davis/Casas). Brie Franco, Intergovernmental Relations Officer, provided a recap presentation of the 87th legislative session. Vote on Recommendation Number: (20220425-001): Hate Incident Reporting. (Weigel/Davis) Chair Davis made a motion to approve the recommendation; Commissioner Weigel seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Areche, Breckenridge, Brienzi, G. Brown, and J. Brown absent. Nominate someone to be on the Joint Inclusion Committee. The Commission needs to select a representative who will be able to attend those meetings on their behalf. Chair Davis motioned that Idona Griffith serve as the primary representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee and to select a new secondary representative at a future meeting without objection. The recommendation passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Areche, Breckenridge, Brienzi, G. Brown, and J. Brown absent. 3. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key OLD BUSINESS a. priority areas of concern for 2021-2022, including plans and strategies for meeting those key priority areas of concern: Institutional Equity Commissioner Weigel mentioned need for Commissioner attendance at meetings. i. ii. iii. iv. Environment & Land Use Health Access & Nutrition No report. No report. No report. Autonomy & Human Rights Chair Davis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:24pm; Commissioner Museitif seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Areche, Breckenridge, Brienzi, G. Brown, and J. Brown absent.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Special Called Meeting Monday, April 11, 2022 6:00 p.m. – Adjournment Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco room 1203 Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3250 or andrea.jordan@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sareta Davis, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Malenie Areche Jared Breckenridge Kimberly Brienzi Garry Brown Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Maram Museitif Alicia Weigel CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Members of the public signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 28, 2022, Regular Meeting and the March 28, 2022, Regular Meeting. Hear, discuss, consider, and take possible action on complaints about the work environment in the City of Austin’s Office of Civil Rights (Chair Davis/Museitif/G. Brown) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Andrea Jordan, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3250 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Andrea Jordan at (512) 974-3250 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/hrc.
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20220411-002a: Work Environment in the Office of Civil Rights WHEREAS, there are allegations of a hostile work environment inside the Office of Civil Rights, and; WHEREAS, the current director of the Office of Civil Rights is still running the office, and; WHEREAS, the allegations are directed at the director and an outside law firm is investigating the allegations, and; WHEREAS, the Austin Human Rights Commission received notice on Monday, April 11, 2022, that all agendas will be reviewed by the Civil Rights Officer and Legal prior to approval. This new mandate has timing that coincided with a meeting that included an agenda item to discuss the current investigation into the Civil Rights Officer. WHEREAS, in December 2021, the City Council removed the Commission’s authority to conduct hearings that review findings of cause or no cause by the Civil Rights Office, and; WHEREAS, NAACP President Nelson Linder communicated that the current situation in the Office of Civil Rights is a disparate impact caused to those reporting claims to the Office of Civil Rights, and; THEREFORE, be it resolved, that: The Austin Human Rights Commission asks the City Council to request that the city manager place the Civil Rights Officer on administrative paid leave until the conclusion of the investigation. The Austin Human Rights Commission requests that commission meeting agendas be reviewed by the Clerk’s Office and Legal that complies with all policies, procedures, and laws until the conclusion of the investigation. The Austin Human Rights Commission requests the City Council restore the Chapter 21 commission language that provided authority to conduct hearings that review findings of cause or no cause. (See exhibit A – attached) Date of Approval: April 11, 2022 Record of the vote: 6 in favor -1 abstension; Commissioner Garry Brown motion, Chair Davis second. Voting in favor were Commissioner Griffith, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Museitif and Commissioner Griffith. Commissioner Caballero abstained. Commissioner Breckenridge, and Commissioner Weigel were absent. Attest: Andrea Jordan Andrea Jordan Staff Liaison
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2022 The Human Rights Commission convened a special called meeting on Monday, April 11, 2022, at the City of Austin Permitting & Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1203, Austin TX 78752. Chair Sareta Davis called the Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission members present: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Maram Museitif and Commissioner Caballero. Staff present: Andrea Jordan – liaison CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 28, 2022, Regular Meeting and the March 28, 2022, Regular Meeting. This agenda item will be covered in the April 25, 2022, meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Hear and discuss employee complaints. (Chair S. Davis/M. Museitif/G. Brown). Commissioner Garry Brown moved to adopt a recommendation; Chair Davis seconded. The recommendation was adopted by a majority vote of Commissioners present. Voting in favor were Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Museitif and Commissioner Jamarr Brown. Commissioner Caballero abstained. Commissioners Breckenridge and Commissioner Weigel were absent. 3. ADJOURNMENT Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m. on unanimous consent. 1
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, March 28, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, Room 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3250 or andrea.jordan@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sareta Davis, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Malenie Areche Jared Breckenridge Kimberly Brienzi Garry Brown Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Maram Museitif Alicia Weigel CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Members of the public signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 28, b. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s Special Called 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2022, Regular Meeting. Meeting on March 4, 2022. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion of briefing on legislation that passed that affects the city – presented by the City’s Intergovernmental Relations Office (IGRO) sponsored by (Davis/Casas) 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key priority areas of concern for 2021-2022, including plans and strategies for meeting those key priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Rights ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Andrea Jordan, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3250 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Andrea Jordan at (512) 974-3250 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/hrc.
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, February 28, 2022 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, February 28, 2022 at City of Austin Permitting & Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1406, Austin TX 78752. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Staff in Attendance: Andrea Jordan, Investigator, Office of Civil Rights (OCR); Jonathan Babiak, Business Process Consultant, OCR CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. The minutes from the regular meeting of November 22, 2021 were approved on a vote of 6-0: Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Garry Brown second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif were absent. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways, followed by discussion and possible action regarding an update on the successes of the American Gateways program serving the low income immigrant community and request for support in making immigration legal services a continued priority in the city’s budget for next year. (Davis/Casas) Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways presented to the Commission and answered questions from the Commission. The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. b. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council related to the City of Austin Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget and Strategic Direction 2023: Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All. (Davis/Casas) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. 1 c. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council and the City Manager to strengthen policies regarding investigative authority for the City of Austin Office of Police Oversight. (Brown, G./Davis) The Commission discussed this item. Chair Davis moved to adopt the recommendation, Commissioner Garry Brown second. The recommendation was adopted on a vote of 6-0. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif were absent. d. Discussion and possible action regarding commissioner nominations to the Joint Inclusion …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, March 28, 2022 MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, March 28, 2022, at 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Sareta Davis. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabel Casas, Idona Griffith, Alicia Weigel, Garry Brown, Malenie Areche, Maram Museitif. Commissioners Absent: Jared Breckenridge, Kimberly Brienzi, Jamarr Brown, and Kristian Caballero. Staff in Attendance: Andrea Jordan. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Adam Orman: Speaking on hate crime within the city’s protocols and processes. Sharyn Vane: Speaking on the rise of hate incidents. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of February 28, 2022. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0-1 with Commissioners Breckenridge, Brienzi, J. Brown, and Calaballero absent. Commissioner Museitif abstained. The Commission did not take action on the minutes from the Human Rights Commission's March 4, 2022, Special Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion of briefing on legislation that passed that affects the city – presented by the City’s Intergovernmental Relations Office (IGRO) sponsored by (Davis/Casas) The Commission did not act on the new business. No report/presentations. 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key priority areas of concern for 2021-2022, including plans and strategies for meeting those key priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Rights Commissioner Weigel to sponsor further discussion and possible action about hate crimes in the City of Austin from public communication. Commissioner Davis co-sponsored. Commissioner Museitif to sponsor an investigation regarding the change and turnover from the Office of Civil Rights. Commissioner G. Brown co-sponsored. Chair Davis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:33pm; Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 7-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge, Brienzi, and J. Brown, Caballero absent.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Special Called Meeting Friday, March 4, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1203 Austin TX 78752 Some members of Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sareta Davis, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Malenie Areche Jared Breckenridge Kimberly Brienzi Garry Brown Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Maram Museitif Alicia Weigel CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Members of the public signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 28, 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2022 Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council related to the City of Austin Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget and Strategic Direction 2023: Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All. (Davis/Casas) 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key priority areas of concern for 2021-2022, including plans and strategies for meeting those key priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Rights ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3203 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3203 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/hrc.
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, February 28, 2022 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, February 28, 2022 at City of Austin Permitting & Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1406, Austin TX 78752. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Staff in Attendance: Andrea Jordan, Investigator, Office of Civil Rights (OCR); Jonathan Babiak, Business Process Consultant, OCR CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. The minutes from the regular meeting of November 22, 2021 were approved on a vote of 6-0: Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Garry Brown second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif were absent. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways, followed by discussion and possible action regarding an update on the successes of the American Gateways program serving the low income immigrant community and request for support in making immigration legal services a continued priority in the city’s budget for next year. (Davis/Casas) Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways presented to the Commission and answered questions from the Commission. The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. b. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council related to the City of Austin Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget and Strategic Direction 2023: Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All. (Davis/Casas) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. 1 c. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council and the City Manager to strengthen policies regarding investigative authority for the City of Austin Office of Police Oversight. (Brown, G./Davis) The Commission discussed this item. Chair Davis moved to adopt the recommendation, Commissioner Garry Brown second. The recommendation was adopted on a vote of 6-0. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif were absent. d. Discussion and possible action regarding commissioner nominations to the Joint Inclusion …
Budget Recommendation 2022-23 DRAFT families; WHEREAS, On February 22, 2022, Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton issued disturbing and dangerous directives impeding the safety and personal freedoms of our transgender youth and their WHEREAS, City of Austin values and recognizes the LGBTQIA+ community and will not support any efforts to compromise the welfare and safety of our LGBTQIA+ youth and their families; WHEREAS, Gender identity and freedom of expression are vital to how children and teens see themselves and their ability to thrive; WHEREAS, Family support and professional care reduce suicide attempts by LGBTQIA+ youth by 40%; WHEREAS, It is critical for families and transgender youth to have safe access to resources and professional guidance to ensure a positive quality of life; WHEREAS, Major medical healthcare organizations support gender-affirming care and oppose legislation that will hinder medical care for transgender youth; WHEREAS, Dismissing the needs of transgender youth and families is fundamentally negligent and poses a significant risk that may have harmful and dangerous physical and mental health consequences; WHEREAS, Actions like those of Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton are likely to increase rejection, targeted harassment, and hate crimes against transgender youth intersex youth; statewide; WHEREAS, The intended directives by Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton are a misrepresentation of the law and intend to erode the rights of families and the LGBTQIA+ youth WHEREAS, City of Austin Leadership has a long history of standing in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community, including recent actions of the Travis County Attorney and District Attorney statements to not unjustifiably interfere with the medical decisions made between children, their parents, and their medical physicians; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Human Rights Commission recommends to Council and the City Manager to stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community, protect their rights to seek care and feel physically and mentally safe in our community, oppose actions that negatively impact the well-being and rights of LGBTQIA+ youth and their families, and include funding in the FY 2022-2023 budget to demonstrate this commitment.
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20220304-2A: City of Austin Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget Recommendation WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin (“Commission”) advocates on behalf of human rights for all people in the City of Austin (“City”); and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023, including the strategic outcomes of Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee hosted Budget Engagement Community Forums to receive feedback from the community on budget priorities, and to help ensure and inclusive and transparent budget process that incorporates resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure community priorities are being met; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission recommends the City Council to give careful consideration to the following Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Proposals: Public Safety I. An open process and community input in selection of the next APD Police Chief . HRC 20210419-001a: FY 2021-22 Budget Recommendation II. Guidance from the community/quality of life commissions on the selection process instead of waiting for community input after final candidates have been selected. III. Divert Funds from APD to other social service agencies and non-police crisis intervention programs. IV. Explore the possibility of establishing a fund that Peace Officers must pay into for insurance to cover the costs of abuse of force complaints and law suits. V. Establish a bonus incentive program for officers that maintain a professional record clear of abuse of force allegations. Health and Environment I. Community approach for health care navigation and support: Resources exist for specific communities, but coverage is not consistent across all constituencies. II. The City of Austin should provide coordination/oversight to ensure resources are equitable and address gaps. III. Outreach and Navigation: Digital Access: Includes wifi, devices, and training. Need to address different needs for seniors, kids in school, adults working from home, people with disabilities and/or who are homebound, people who need access to healthcare (e.g. telehealth), access to workforce development/job postings, etc. Targeted interventions specific to each community are needed. IV. The City should include these recommendations in their digital inclusion strategic plan (TARA “Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs”). 2 HRC 20210419-001a: FY 2021-22 Budget Recommendation V. Funding should be provided for programs to enroll inmates released into the community in health care coverage insurance plans. Economic Opportunity, Culture, & Affordability I. …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20220304-002a: FY 2022-23 Budget Recommendation WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin (“Commission”) advocates on behalf of human rights for all people in the City of Austin (“City”); and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023, including the strategic outcomes of Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee hosted Budget Engagement Community Forums to receive feedback from the community on budget priorities, and to help ensure and inclusive and transparent budget process that incorporates resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure community priorities are being met; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission recommends the City Council to give careful consideration to the following Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Proposals: DO NOT TOUCH THE FUNDING PRESENT OR FUTURE FOR THE FOLLOWING: 1. MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 2. DIRECT CASH ASSISTANCE FOR RENT OR ANY OTHER PURPOSE 3. QWELL COMMUNITY GRANT TO CONDUCT DATA COLLETION FOR LGBTQIA+ WELL BEING; THIS DATE IS CONTRIBUTED TO THE LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE STUDY--$500,000 GRANT WILL EXPIRE SOON AND $300,000 WILL BE REQUESTED TO CONTINUE 4. THE CITY OF AUSTIN EQUITY OFFICE AND VACANT POSITIONS FUNDS FROM THE VACANCY SAVINGS 5. THE CITY OF AUSTIN OFFICE OF POLICE OVERSIGHT AND VACANT POSITIONS FUNDS FROM THE VACANCY SAVINGS 6. AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTH AND VACANT POSITIONS FUNDS FROM THE VACANCY SAVINGS 7. ANY AND ALL MAC FUNDING 8. ANY AND ALL FUNDING FOR THE CARVER MUSEUM 9. GRANT FUNDING FOR THE AMERICAN GATEWAYS PROGRAM; MUST PROVIDE $460,000 IF NOT MORE FOR THEIR NEW GRANT REQUEST Public Safety I. Continue funding to other social service agencies and non-police crisis intervention II. programs. Establish a bonus incentive program for officers that maintain a professional record clear of abuse of force allegations. Health and Environment I. Community approach for health care navigation and support: Resources exist for specific communities, but coverage is not consistent across all constituencies. II. The City of Austin should provide coordination/oversight to ensure resources are equitable and address gaps. III. Outreach and Navigation: Digital Access: Includes wifi, devices, and training. Need to address different needs for seniors, kids in school, adults working from home, people with disabilities and/or who are homebound, people who need access to healthcare (e.g. telehealth), access to workforce development/job postings, etc. Targeted interventions …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20220304-002a: LGBTQIA+ Budget WHEREAS, On February 22, 2022, Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton issued disturbing and dangerous directives impeding the safety and personal freedoms of our transgender youth and their families; WHEREAS, City of Austin values and recognizes the LGBTQIA+ community and will not support any efforts to compromise the welfare and safety of our LGBTQIA+ youth and their families; WHEREAS, Gender identity and freedom of expression are vital to how children and teens see themselves and their ability to thrive; WHEREAS, Family support and professional care reduce suicide attempts by LGBTQIA+ youth by 40%; WHEREAS, It is critical for families and transgender youth to have safe access to resources and professional guidance to ensure a positive quality of life; WHEREAS, Major medical healthcare organizations support gender-affirming care and oppose legislation that will hinder medical care for transgender youth; WHEREAS, Dismissing the needs of transgender youth and families is fundamentally negligent and poses a significant risk that may have harmful and dangerous physical and mental health consequences; WHEREAS, Actions like those of Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton are likely to increase rejection, targeted harassment, and hate crimes against transgender youth intersex youth; WHEREAS, The intended directives by Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton are a misrepresentation of the law and intend to erode the rights of families and the LGBTQIA+ youth statewide; WHEREAS, City of Austin Leadership has a long history of standing in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community, including recent actions of the Travis County Attorney and District Attorney statements to not unjustifiably interfere with the medical decisions made between children, their parents, and their medical physicians; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Human Rights Commission recommends to Council and the City Manager to stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community, protect their rights to seek care and feel physically and mentally safe in our community, oppose actions that negatively impact the well-being and rights of LGBTQIA+ youth and their families, and include funding in the FY 2022-2023 budget to demonstrate this commitment. Date of Approval: March 4, 2022 Record of the vote: 6-1; Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Griffith second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, and Commissioner Griffith. Commissioner Brienzi voted against. Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Museitif, and Commissioner Weigel were absent. Attest: Jonathan Babiak Jonathan Babiak, …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Friday, March 4, 2022 MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a special called meeting on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752. Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 5:44pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Sareta Davis and Garry Brown. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Malenie Areche, Kimberly Brienzi, Isabel Casas, Kristian Caballero, Idona Griffith, Alicia Weigel. Commissioners Absent: Jared Breckenridge, Jamarr Brown, Maram Museitif. Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL NONE. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 28, 2022, Regular Meeting. Chair Davis made a motion to approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of February 28, 2022. Commissioner G. Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge, J. Brown, Museitif, absent. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council related to the City of Austin Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget and Strategic Direction 2023: Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All. (Davis/Casas). Commission Weigel departed the meeting at approximately 6:05pm. Chair Davis made a motion to approve Recommendation Number 20220304-002a: LGBTQIA+ Budget. Commissioner Griffith seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-1 with Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioners Areche, G. Brown, Caballero, and Griffith voting aye; Commissioner Brienzi voting nay and Commissioners Breckenridge, J. Brown, Museitif, and Weigel absent. Commissioner Areche departed, rejoined, and departed the meeting between the two Recommendation actions due to connection issues. Chair Davis made a motion to approve Recommendation Number 20220304-002a: FY 2022-23 Budget Recommendation; Commissioner G. Brown seconded the motion. The passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Areche, Breckenridge, J. Brown, Museitif, and Weigel absent. 3. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key OLD BUSINESS a. priority areas of concern for 2021-2022, including plans and strategies for meeting those key priority areas of concern: i. ii. iii. iv. Institutional Equity Environment & Land Use Health Access & Nutrition Autonomy & Human Rights Due to time constraints no reports were made. Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 7:59pm with no objections.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, February 28, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1406 Austin TX 78752 CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sareta Davis, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Malenie Areche Jared Breckenridge Kimberly Brienzi Garry Brown Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Maram Museitif Alicia Weigel CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Members of the public signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s November 22, 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2021 Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways, followed by discussion and possible action regarding an update on the successes of the American Gateways program serving the low income immigrant community and request for support in making immigration legal services a continued priority in the city’s budget for next year. (Davis/Casas) b. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council related to the City of Austin Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget and Strategic Direction 2023: Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All. (Davis/Casas) c. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council and the City Manager to strengthen policies regarding investigative authority for the City of Austin Office of Police Oversight. (Brown, G./Davis) d. Discussion and possible action regarding commissioner nominations to the Joint Inclusion Committee. (Davis/Casas) 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key priority areas of concern for 2021-2022, including plans and strategies for meeting those key priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Rights ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3203 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Jonathan Babiak …
