1. 2. 3. REGULAR MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, February 24, 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, call or email Ryan Sperling at ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov or 512-974-3568 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Kolby Duhon, Chair (He/They) Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam (He/Him Jeffrey Clemmons Harriett Kirsh Pozen Tannya Oliva Martínez Alicia Weigel (She/They) Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Danielle Bryant Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Srini Raghavan 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 January 27, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation regarding American Gateways’ work supporting the immigrant community in Austin. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. Presentation regarding understanding and recognizing modern antisemitism. Presentation by Abi Mallick, Jewish Voice for Peace. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Discussion on scheduling a potential presentation by Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis or other Austin Police Department staff. Discussion on the 2025 Texas Legislative Session, with an overview of bills related to immigration and bail. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve the formation of a working group to provide budget recommendations for the FY26 budget cycle. Approve a recommendation to protect immigrant communities and ensure access to accurate, accessible information and education in Austin schools and prioritize anti- discrimination efforts related to immigration status city wide. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from the Intragroup Relations Working Group regarding immigration and discrimination issues discussed at the February 12th working group meeting. Update from the Educational Initiatives Working Group regarding how they can support undocumented community members in schools. 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 …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISISON MEETING MINUTES Monday, January 27, 2025 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St., Boards & Commissions Room, in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon (He/They), Chair Jeffrey Clemmons Harriett Kirsh Pozen Tannya Olivia Martinez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam (He/Him) Danielle Bryant Mariana Krueger Srini Raghavan Alicia Weigel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission Special Called meeting on December 16, 2024. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Clemmons’ motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Weigel and Bryant were off the dais. Commissioner Davis was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on potential subject matter for a future presentation to the commission from Austin Police Department. 1 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISISON MEETING MINUTES Monday, January 27, 2025 Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the formation of a working group to further support educational initiatives directed towards the community in the City of Austin. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to further support educational initiatives directed towards the community in the City of Austin was approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Bryant’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Davis was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 6:38 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the DATE meeting on BOARD MEMBER’s motion, BOARD MEMBER second on a (vote count) vote 2 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISISON MEETING MINUTES Monday, January 27, 2025 3
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: 20250221-007: Protect Immigrant Communities and Ensure Access to Accurate, Accessible Information and Education in Austin Schools and Prioritize Anti-Discrimination Efforts Related to Immigration Status City Wide WHEREAS, recent tragic events, such as the suicide of Jocelynn Rojo-Carranza, an 11 year- old-girl who faced bullying due to her family’s immigration status, have highlighted the severe and devastating impacts of immigration-related discrimination and lack of adequate protections within schools; WHEREAS, reports from immigrant families in Austin indicate that increased raids and threats of deportation have created a climate of fear, deter families from seeking assistance,, access education, or report incidents of violence or harassment for fear of being separated; WHEREAS, immigrants in Austin, including students, face systemic challenges, including bullying, harassment, and an overall lack of understanding about their rights and protections; WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a responsibility to ensure that all residents, irrespective of immigration status, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive, and that our schools provide a safe environment where all children can learn without fear of discrimination or retaliation; WHEREAS, inaccurate and inaccessible information about immigration laws and rights continues to be a barrier for many immigrants and their families, exacerbating their vulnerability contributing to mistrust of local institutions; and threatening their constitutional due process rights; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin recommends the following: 1. Ensure Access to Know Your Rights Materials in All Schools and Libraries: The City of Austin must ensure that Know Your Rights materials, specifically tailored for immigrant communities, are readily available in all public schools, libraries, and community centers through collaboration with Austin Independent School District and city libraries. These materials should provide clear, accessible information on immigration protections, including the right to an education regardless of immigration status, as well as the rights of students and families in case of detention or deportation. 2. Develop City-Sponsored Educational Resources on Immigration: The City should create and distribute educational resources and lessons on immigration to be used in schools across Austin through partnerships with local organizations and educational institutions. These lessons should aim to educate students, faculty, and staff on the diverse realities of immigrant families, the history of immigration in the U.S., and the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments for all. The city should encourage AISD to incorporate …
