20240326-002 HLQOL Commission_Recommendation-Supporting Hispanic-Latino College Graduates — original pdf
Recommendation
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission Recommendation Number: (20240326-2): FY 2024-25 Budget for Supporting Hispanic/Latino College Graduates. WHEREAS, SB 17 passed in the 88th regular legislative session, became effective January 1, 2024, and prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, policies, and programs at state funded universities in Texas. WHEREAS, because of implantation of SB 17 the Multicultural Engagement Center, which was home to the Afrikan American Affairs, Asian Desi Pacific Islanders American Collective, Latinx Community Affairs, Native American and Indigenous Collective, and the Queer Trans Black Indigenous People of Color Alliance was abruptly closed without student input. WHEREAS, in addition to the closure of the Multicultural Engagement Center, Latinx Community Affairs lost all funding from the university for programming including Latinx Graduation which was the only bilingual graduation ceremony for students and had 300-350 graduates participating every Spring semester. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission encourages the Austin City Council to allocate $65,000 to the Latinx Community Affairs organization to support a city wide Latinx graduation and community engagement events. NOW, THEREFORE, BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission encourages the Austin City Council to explore all available means of supporting a city wide Latinx graduation and community engagement events including support securing venues, fee waivers, and necessary equipment. Date of Approval: _____March 26, 2024________________________ Vote: 7-0 For: Commissioner Silva, Commissioner Afifi, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner Perales, Commissioner Castañeda, Commissioner Galvan, Commissioner Jackson Jr. Absent: Commissioner Neri, Commissioner May, Commissioner Maldonado Against: None Abstain: None Attest: Amanda Afifi, Chair