HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, March 25, 2024 6:00 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 AGENDA 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 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Kolby Duhon, Vice Chair (He/They)\ Alicia Weigel (She/They) Gabriella Zeidan Michael Stevenson Muneeb ‘Meebs’ Aslam (He/Him) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Jeffrey Clemmons Srini Raghavan 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission meeting on February 26, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Select an alternative Human Rights Commission member to represent the Commission to support the development and implementation of the Imagine Austin comprehensive engagement process. 3. Approve a recommendation for Promoting a Culture of Care thought Implementation of Harm Reduction Strategies in our Communities. 4. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Increased Emergency 5. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Funding of Emergency 6. Approve a recommendation for addressing the ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Housing Assistance. Housing Assistance. initiatives. 7. Approve a recommendation for addressing the difficulties confronted by immigrants and refugees through immigrant supportive policies. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 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 email Damian Pantoja at damian.pantoja@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: 20240325-04: Budget Proposal for Increased Emergency Housing Assistance WHEREAS, the City of Austin is facing a housing affordability crisis as data reports show that the overall median rent is now $2,100, with the median rent for a one bedroom at $1,443. WHEREAS, per the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, eviction filings in Austin have soared to over 50% higher than the pre-pandemic average rate, with communities of color drastically more at risk of eviction in a state with some of the country’s weakest protections for renters. WHEREAS, a record 2.1 million renters, more than half of the state’s renter households, are “cost burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities per a recent Harvard University study. WHEREAS, the State of Texas shuttered it’s statewide rent relief program last summer leaving it up to municipalities to act on the growing rental crisis. Austin has stepped up to the plate, most recently in December with an $8 million rental assistance and eviction support through the City of Austin Housing Department’s “I Belong in Austin” program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission encourages the Austin City Council to allocate at least another $8 million dollars in rent relief funds and explore all available means in order to create short, medium, and long term solutions for individuals at risk of eviction in Austin. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest:
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, FEB 26, 2024 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting MINUTES Monday, February 26, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101, 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Vice Chair Duhon called the BOARD NAME Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Board Members/Commissioner in Attendance: Vice Chair K. Duhon, J. Clemmons, M. Davis, S. Raghavan (6:09 PM), G. Zeidan, Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: M. Aslam, M. Krueger PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission meeting on January 22, 2024 The Minutes from the meeting of January 22, 2024 were approved on M. Davis motion; M. Krueger seconded the motion; motion passed 6 – 0; Raghavan off the dais; A. Weigel, L. Garcia, and M. Steveson were absent 2. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission special meeting on Dec 11, 2022 The Minutes from the meeting of December 11, 2022 were approved on M. Davis motion; M. Krueger seconded the motion; motion passed 6 – 0; Raghavan off the dais; A. Weigel, L. Garcia, and M. Steveson were absent STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing regarding updating the 2012 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. Presented by April Geruso, Planning Department. The presentation was made by April Geruso with the Planning Department. 1 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS MONDAY, FEB 26, 2024 4. Discussion of a new May 2024 Commission meeting date 5. Presentation by The American Gateway about the services they provide that improve the quality of life for the immigrant community in Austin. 6. Presentation by Commissioner Davis about ATX Kind DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair for a term ending in April 2024. The motion to approve K. Duhon to be the Chair was approved on M. Davis motion and G. Zeidan seconded the motion; motion passed 7 – 0; A. Weigel, L. Garcia, and M. Steveson were absent. The motion to approve G. Zeidan for Vice Chair was approved on M. Krueger motion and M. Aslam seconded the motion; motion passed 7 – 0; A. Weigel, L. Garcia, and M. Steveson were absent. 8. Approve a recommendation for Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis through Enhanced Budgetary Allocations and Support for Local Nonprofits and Community-Based Organizations The …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: 20240325-03: Promoting a Culture of Care Through the Implantation of Harm Reduction Strategies in our Communities. Whereas, the War on Drugs describes the continued prohibition on and criminalization of a broad set of substances under the Controlled Substances Act; and, Whereas, harm reduction, in the context of substance use, is a community-oriented public health and safety approach aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with the use of substances; and, Whereas, harm reduction is one of the four core strategies being implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services to address the ongoing Opioid Crisis; and, Whereas, in 2022 the CDC counts 51,435 total overdose deaths, among which 64.3% could have been prevented by intervention, including over 120 overdoses in Austin for the same year; and, Whereas, in 2022, Travis County ranked 27th among Texas counties with the highest number of unintentional overdose deaths, representing a 23% increase from two years prior, per CDC data; and, Whereas, the City of Austin was also the recipient of $1.53m from the State's disbursement of Opioid Settlement Funding, the express purpose for which is to address opioid related harms in the communities; and, Whereas, the current substance use crisis is inflamed by state laws encouraging abstinence and criminalization-especially regarding the possession of drug paraphernalia including sterile injection materials, testing supplies, and supervised use-have made it more difficult for individuals, organizations, and municipalities to seek and render life-saving aid; and, Whereas, in the midst of a statewide healthcare crisis under which over 4 million people, per the Texas Medical Association, lack healthcare, including up to 20% of Austin's own citizens under 65; and, Whereas, stagnant or negative statewide healthcare funding, including for labor and infrastructure, has exacerbated existing gaps in coverage and made it more difficult for individuals to seek care in a timely manner; and, Whereas, the costs and stigma associated with substance use create a barrier to outreach and access for those who need it most; and Whereas, the City of Austin's mission involves "partner[ing] with one another and with our community to provide the best service possible" and "actively seek[ing] out good ideas that have a lasting, positive impact on our work, our community and our environment,"; and, Whereas, discrimination based on substance use is in conflict with this Commission's responsibility to further human rights in the City of Austin, and therefore poses …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20240325-07: Addressing the difficulties confronted by immigrants and refugees through immigrant supportive policies. WHEREAS, the United States is in critical need of comprehensive immigration reform that reflects the values of fairness, compassion, and respect for due process. The current immigration system is outdated, overly complex, and lacks sufficient pathways for legal immigration, leading to widespread inefficiencies and injustices in the treatment of immigrants and refugees seeking to contribute to American society. WHEREAS, the robustness of the U.S. economy relies on the contributions of immigrant workers who fill vital roles in industries such as agriculture, hospitality, healthcare, and technology. Immigrants not only fill essential jobs that many American citizens are unwilling to undertake but also stimulate economic growth by establishing businesses, purchasing goods and services, and paying taxes, thereby enriching local communities and bolstering the national economy. WHEREAS, recent years have witnessed a concerning rise in anti-immigrant sentiment, perpetuated by populist politicians who scapegoat immigrants for societal challenges and economic insecurities. In regions like Texas, which is home to a significant immigrant population, such divisive rhetoric has exacerbated tensions and fostered a climate of fear and hostility towards immigrant communities, undermining social cohesion and collective well-being. WHEREAS, a substantial number of immigrants seeking refuge in the United States are asylum seekers fleeing dire circumstances in their home countries, including poverty, violence, political persecution, and environmental disasters. These individuals and families embark on perilous journeys in search of safety and opportunity, often facing additional hardships and trauma along the way. WHEREAS, the city of Austin prides itself on its values of freedom, compassion, and inclusivity, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals regardless of their immigration status. In the absence of meaningful immigration reforms and permanent protections for immigrant families at the federal level, community organizations play a vital role in providing essential services and support to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, ensuring their basic needs are met and their rights upheld. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Austin City Council, in partnership with the Human Rights Commission, is called on to reaffirm its commitment to supporting immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the local community by implementing the following measures: • Enhanced Budgetary Allocations: The Austin City Council is called on to pledge to allocate additional resources in the city budget to fund programs, initiatives, and services specifically tailored to meet …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20240325-06: Addressing the Ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives. WHEREAS, Texas state law SB17, which took effect on January 1st, 2024, has ignited a contentious debate surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public institutions of higher education. The legislation, while seemingly aimed at promoting equal treatment and opportunity, has sparked concerns among stakeholders about its potential to stifle efforts to address systemic inequities and promote diversity on college campuses. Critics argue that the law's broad language and prohibitions on certain forms of outreach and support for underrepresented groups could have unintended consequences, including the erosion of longstanding diversity initiatives and the exacerbation of disparities in educational outcomes. Moreover, the implementation of SB17 has raised questions about the role of universities in advancing social justice and equity, as well as the appropriate balance between state regulation and institutional autonomy in matters of diversity and inclusion. WHEREAS, the ramifications of SB17 extend beyond the realm of policy and regulation, permeating the very fabric of academic life and community engagement. In the wake of the law's enactment, public higher education institutions in Texas have grappled with a climate of uncertainty and apprehension, as administrators, faculty, and students navigate the complexities of compliance while striving to uphold principles of fairness, inclusivity, and respect for diversity. The chilling effect of SB17 has been palpable, with reports of self-censorship and reluctance to engage in discussions about race, gender, and other identity-related issues out of fear of reprisal or legal sanction. Such dynamics have profound implications for the educational experience and intellectual vitality of college campuses, where open dialogue and robust exchange of ideas are foundational to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. WHEREAS, the implementation of SB17 has cast a shadow of doubt over the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at the University of Texas at Austin and Austin Community College, a venerable institution with a rich tradition of academic excellence and cultural diversity. As the flagship university of the state's public higher education system, UT Austin plays a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of Texas and beyond, serving as a beacon of innovation, scholarship, and social progress. However, the constraints imposed by SB17 threaten to undermine the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion, jeopardizing its ability to attract and retain a diverse student body, faculty, and staff. Moreover, the chilling effect of …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20240325-05: Funding for Emergency Housing Assistance WHEREAS, Austin continues to face a housing affordability crises particularly impacting renters that have seen multiple years of rental increases, and WHEREAS, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Study noted that the increase cost of rental housing was the highest-ranked domain of priority for participants in the town hall meetings, and WHEREAS, in the referenced Study, 10% of respondents indicated they had been homeless in the last 5 years, 65% of respondents spent 30% or more of their income on housing while 9% spent more than half of their income, and WHEREAS, the City of Austin provided funding for a program entitled "I Belong in Austin" to provide emergency assistance for renters in danger of losing their housing including short-term rental assistance as well as moving and storage expenses to lessen the impact of forced relocation, and WHEREAS, "I Belong in Austin" had over 800 people on the waiting list when the program began this year and that waiting list quickly grew to 4,000 before being capped at that number indicating the continuing need for this assistance, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission supports the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommendation that the Austin City Council approve continued funding in the next fiscal year based on an evaluation of the program's effectiveness in preventing homelessness for diverse clients in order to mitigate the affordability crisis and accomplish strategic goals related to housing stabilization, economic opportunity and affordability. Date of Approval: _ Record of the vote: Attest:
