1. 2. 3. REGULAR MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, November 25, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St Austin, Texas Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Eric Anderson at eric.anderson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Kolby Duhon, Chair (He/They) Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Alicia Weigel (She/They) Harriett Kirsh Pozen Danielle Bryant Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Jeffrey Clemmons Srini Raghavan Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam (He/Him) Morgan Davis (He/Him) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on October 28, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by Anti-Defamation League Austin on Hate, Extremism, and Antisemitism in Central Texas. Discussion of opportunities for the Human Rights Commission to support District 3 Council office educational initiatives. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Approve a recommendation to Council to ensure full compliance with the Austin Police Oversight Act and prioritize transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the Austin Police Department. 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. (512) 974-2562 or Please contact Eric Anderson, Office of eric.anderson@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Eric Anderson at (512) 974-2562 or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov. the City Clerk at
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on October 28, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Danielle Bryant Jeffrey Clemmons Mariana Krueger Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Morgan Davis Harriet Kirsh Pozen Alicia Weigel Commissioners Absent: Srini Raghavan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Items 1 through 8 were acted on with one combined motion. 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on September 23, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of September 23, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Bryant’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Davis, Kirsh Pozen, and Krueger were off the dais. Commissioner Raghavan was absent. 1 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on May 23, 2022. The minutes from the meeting of May 23, 2022, were approved on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Bryant’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Davis, Kirsh Pozen, and Krueger were off the dais. Commissioner Raghavan was absent. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on June 27, 2022. The minutes from the meeting of June 27, 2022, were approved on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Bryant’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Davis, Kirsh Pozen, and Krueger were off the dais. Commissioner Raghavan was absent. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on July 25, 2022. The minutes from the meeting of July 25, 2022, were approved on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Bryant’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Davis, Kirsh Pozen, and Krueger were off the dais. Commissioner Raghavan was absent. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on August 22, 2022. The minutes from the meeting of August 22, 2022, were approved on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Bryant’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Davis, Kirsh Pozen, and Krueger were off the dais. Commissioner Raghavan was absent. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on September 26, 2022. The minutes from the meeting of September 26, 2022, were approved on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Bryant’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Davis, Kirsh …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: (20241125-004): Recommendation to Ensure Full Compliance with the Austin Police Oversight Act and Prioritize Transparency, Accountability, and Efficiency in the Austin Police Department WHEREAS, the voters of Austin overwhelmingly approved the Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA), signaling a strong mandate for transparency, accountability, and oversight in the operations of the Austin Police Department (APD); WHEREAS, the APOA explicitly requires police contracts to comply fully with its provisions, including access to the ‘G-files ’and ensuring the integrity of independent police oversight investigations; WHEREAS, recent negotiations and the subsequent five-year, $218 million police contract with the Austin Police Association (APA) have raised significant concerns among community advocates, elected officials, and stakeholders regarding the potential undermining of voter-approved oversight measures; WHEREAS, community members and organizations have expressed concerns that vague or conflicting language in the contract could leave open avenues to reintroduce the so-called "G-file," thus limiting transparency and accountability in addressing police misconduct; WHEREAS, the APD faces over 300 vacancies, and the significant financial commitment of the new contract—featuring a 28% pay increase over five years—must be matched by measurable improvements in officer retention, response times, and overall humane conduct; WHEREAS, the City of Austin's budgetary priorities, including critical social services such as housing, homelessness support, mental health programs, and public safety beyond policing, must be balanced to reflect the values and needs of all Austinites; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin recommends the following: 1. Ensure Full Compliance with the Austin Police Oversight Act in all negotiations with APD: The City of Austin must guarantee that all provisions of the APOA, including the protection of independent oversight authority, are strictly adhered to in current and future police contracts. Any ambiguities in contract language must be resolved in favor of transparency and accountability. 2. • • • 3. 4. 5. Establish Clear Metrics for Accountability and Efficiency: The significant increase in APD funding must result in tangible improvements, including but not limited to: Reducing officer vacancy rates and improving recruitment and retention. Demonstrating measurable improvements in response times across all districts. Ensuring humane, community-oriented policing practices that respect human rights and build trust. Conduct Regular Oversight and Public Reporting: The City must establish a framework for quarterly public reporting on APD's progress toward meeting the APOA's mandates and contract performance metrics. This reporting should include data …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: (20241125-004): Recommendation to Ensure Full Compliance with the Austin Police Oversight Act and Prioritize Transparency, Accountability, and Efficiency in the Austin Police Department WHEREAS, the voters of Austin overwhelmingly approved the Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA), signaling a strong mandate for transparency, accountability, and oversight in the operations of the Austin Police Department (APD); WHEREAS, the APOA explicitly requires police contracts to comply fully with its provisions, including access to the ‘G-files ’and ensuring the integrity of independent police oversight investigations; WHEREAS, recent negotiations and the subsequent five-year, $218 million police contract with the Austin Police Association (APA) have raised significant concerns among community advocates, elected officials, and stakeholders regarding the potential undermining of voter-approved oversight measures; WHEREAS, community members and organizations have expressed concerns that vague or conflicting language in the contract could leave open avenues to reintroduce the so-called "G-file," thus limiting transparency and accountability in addressing police misconduct; WHEREAS, the APD faces over 300 vacancies, and the significant financial commitment of the new contract—featuring a 28% pay increase over five years—must be matched by measurable improvements in officer retention, response times, and overall humane conduct; WHEREAS, the City of Austin's budgetary priorities, including critical social services such as housing, homelessness support, mental health programs, and public safety beyond policing, must be balanced to reflect the values and needs of all Austinites; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin recommends the following: 1. Ensure Full Compliance with the Austin Police Oversight Act in all negotiations with APD: The City of Austin must guarantee that all provisions of the APOA, including the protection of independent oversight authority, are strictly adhered to in current and future police contracts. Any ambiguities in contract language must be resolved in favor of transparency and accountability. 2. • • • 3. 4. 5. Establish Clear Metrics for Accountability and Efficiency: The significant increase in APD funding must result in tangible improvements, including but not limited to: Reducing officer vacancy rates and improving recruitment and retention. Demonstrating measurable improvements in response times across all districts. Ensuring humane, community-oriented policing practices that respect human rights and build trust. Conduct Regular Oversight and Public Reporting: The City must establish a framework for quarterly public reporting on APD's progress toward meeting the APOA's mandates and contract performance metrics. This reporting should include data …