RECOMMENDATION 20240116-005: Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peacef — original pdf

Recommendation

ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240116-005 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Date: Subject: January 16, 2024 Recommendation on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Motioned by: Commissioner Mohsin Lari Seconded By: Commissioner Pierre Nguyen ---- RECOMMENDATION: In response to the ongoing Gaza Crisis and subsequent rise in hate-related incidents, the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that City Council directs City staff to execute a coordinated public awareness campaign combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab sentiment; for the Austin Police Department to develop a comprehensive coordinated response to victims of violence stemming from rhetoric of the Gaza Crisis; and calls on City Council to express support for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. DESCRIPTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: WHEREAS, the City of Austin is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity, racial equity, and upholds the principles of equality and human rights; WHEREAS, the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission was created Ordinance No. 20141211-204 to advise the City Council on issues related to the Asian American Resource Center and to provide on-going guidance and support for the City's Asian American quality of life initiatives; WHEREAS, the attack on October 7th by Hamas has led to the tragic loss of Israeli civilians and the subsequent indiscriminate retaliation by the State of Israel has led to the continued loss of civilian lives in Gaza; WHEREAS, rhetoric as a result of the global conflict has led to incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments rising within our city, posing a significant threat to the well-being and safety of our diverse communities; 1 of 3  WHEREAS, it is our duty as the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission of the City of Austin to address and combat discrimination, prejudice, and hate against Asian Americans, immigrants, and refugees in all its forms in order to foster a community where every resident can live free from fear and discrimination; WHEREAS that the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission of the City of Austin firmly condemns all acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments within our city; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin City Council is called upon to direct City staff in executing a coordinated public awareness campaign that combats acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by implementing programs and initiatives aimed at prevention, education, and awareness; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Austin Police Department coordinate with relevant community organizations and direct service agencies to develop a comprehensive coordinated response of enhanced and culturally appropriate victim’s services for those who experienced violence related to the rhetoric from the conflict; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin City Council is called upon to express its support for an immediate and permanent ceasefire declaration and the urgent initiation of a political process that prioritizes truth, reconciliation, and the recognition of the Israeli and Palestinian people to a future where they are equally safe and free of oppression. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to the Austin City Council for consideration and implementation. RATIONALE: This resolution reflects the unwavering commitment of the City of Austin and its Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission to create a community where the principles of equality, respect, and human rights are upheld for all its residents while also promoting a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. While the conflicts in Gaza are outside of the City of Austin, the uptick in hate-related violence and narratives of dehumanization from it have wide- reaching impacts that directly impact our community locally. ---- Vote: 14-0 (Unanimous) 2 of 3  For: Commissioners Seonhye “Sonny” Sin, Kuo Yang, Lily Trieu, Nayer Sikder, Fang Fang, Anna Lan, Mohsin Lari, Sabrina Sha, Satyajeet Dodia, Hanna Huang (Chair), Padmini Jambulapati, Pierre Nguyen, Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan, and Sarah Chen (Co-Chair) Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None. Attest: X Alejandra Mireles - Equity Office Community Services Program Coordinator 3 of 3