Recommendation 20250324-007: Budget Recommendation Providing Funding for Printing and Distribution of 'Know Your Rights' Red Cards at APL Sites — original pdf

Recommendation

COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: (20250324-007): Budget Recommendation Providing Funding for Printing and Distribution of "Know Your Rights" Red Cards at Austin Public Library Sites Motioned by: Comimssioner Oliva Martinez Seconded by: Chair Duhon WHEREAS, the City Charter outlines that the Austin Human Rights Commission shall “initiate and facilitate discussions and negotiations between individuals and groups to lessen tensions and improve understanding in the community”; and, WHEREAS, the City Charter also outlines that the Austin Human Rights Commission shall “institute and conduct educational programs treatment, opportunity and understanding”; and, to promote equal WHEREAS, public libraries serve as trusted and accessible community spaces where residents can receive critical information about their rights, particularly those related to immigration, law enforcement interactions, and workplace protections; and, WHEREAS, organizations such as the Immigrant Legal Resource Center and other advocacy groups have developed "Know Your Rights" red cards to help individuals understand their constitutional rights in various situations, including interactions with law enforcement and immigration officials; and, WHEREAS, ensuring that all Austin Public Library locations have printed "Know Your Rights" red cards available in multiple languages will empower community members with important legal information and contribute to greater public awareness and safety; and, WHEREAS, the costs associated with printing and distributing these materials include design, translation, printing, and distribution across all Austin Public Library branches. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission encourages the Austin City Council to allocate up to $10,000 from the FY25-26 budget to the Austin Public Library for the printing and distribution of "Know Your Rights" red cards at all library locations, ensuring that critical legal information is accessible to all community members. Date of Approval: March 24, 2025 Record of the vote: Approved on an 8-0 vote. For: Chair Duhon, Vice Chair Zeidan, Commissioners Aslam, Clemmons, Kirsh Pozen, Krueger, Khawar, Oliva Martínez Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioners Bryant, Davis, Weigel Attest: _____________________________________________ (Human Rights Commission Staff Liaison)