HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting – Minutes Monday, October 24, 2022 5:45 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 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: Jamarr Brown – A Kristian Caballero – V Idona Griffith - A Alicia Weigel - V (6:30) Gabriella Zeidan – V Garry Brown, Chair – P Isabel Casas, Vice Chair - V Sareta Davis – A Malenie Areche - V Isaiah Smith – P Kimberly Brienzi – P P – In person V – Virtual A – Absent CALL TO ORDER Start: 5:50 pm None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Complete AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of Sept 26, 2022: Commissioner Brienzi made the motion and Commissioner Smith second 8 – 0 2. Reminder of the next Commission Meetings – Reminder of the Monday after STAFF BRIEFINGS – Complete Thanksgiving DISCUSSION ITEMS – Complete 3. Discussion on how the commission can support Ms. O’Dell’s comments and concerns DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS – Complete 4. Discussion, update, and possible action regarding the participating in the Quality-of-Life Study – To vote on Dec 11, 2022 from 1 to 3 pm for item 6 5. Discussion, certation and possible action to form a budget workgroup – Chair G. Brown is on the Budget Workgroup 6. Discussion and possible action on scheduling and/or participating in the Quality of Life Study’s retreat – Motion was made by Chair G. Brown and seconded by Commission Weigel to schedule on Dec 11, 2022 from 1 to 4 pm; 8-0 7. Chair to discuss, give an update, and possible take action to regarding the By-Laws – rolled over to November 8. Discuss, give an update, and possible take action on how HRC will engage in Austin – Commissioner Zeidan wants to welcome a topic in January 2023 9. Continue discussion with the Commission to consider, and take possible action how to conduct and hold hearings on complaints 10. Opportunity for the …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, September 26, 2022 5:45 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 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: Garry Brown, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Sareta Davis Malenie Areche Isaiah Smith Kimberly Brienzi AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Alicia Weigel Gabriella Zeidan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of June 27, 2022 2. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of August 22, 2022 STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding attendance report 4. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding videoconference policies 5. Staff Liaison to share update about Social Media presences and feedback from City Clerk DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS 6. Chair to discuss any steps to make the City of Austin Human Rights Commission more proactive. DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS 7. Discussion with the Commission to review and possible action a new time and date for future meeting in the new Fiscal Year 8. Discussion, Presentation by Jeremy Garza, consider and possible action on establishing a work group for the Quality Life Study and possible actions to appointing members to this group 9. Discussion and possible actions to approve commissioners to speak to other commissioners about the Quality-of-Life Study 10. Chair to discuss, consider, and for the Commission possible take action to approve By-Laws 11. Discuss, consider, and take possible action how HRC will have presence at events in Austin 12. Continue discussion with the Commission to consider, and take possible action how to conduct and hold hearings on complaints 13. Opportunity for the Commissioners to discuss and possible vote on items for the next agenda 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 …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, August 22, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 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: Garry Brown, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Sareta Davis Malenie Areche Isaiah Smith Kimberly Brienzi AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Alicia Weigel Gabriella Zeidan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of July 25, 2022 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding attendance report 3. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding videoconference policies 4. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding communication tools 5. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding resources made available 6. Staff Liaison to Welcome new Commissioner: Gabriella Zeidan DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. Review and discussion about the City of Austin Budget Recommendations 8. Discussion a new time and date to vote in a future meeting for the new Fiscal Year DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS 9. Opportunity for the Commissioners to discuss and possible vote on items for the next agenda. 10. Discuss, consider, and take possible action on steps to make the City of Austin Human Rights 11. Discuss, consider, and take possible action for a larger presence in social media- Facebook, Commission more proactive. Instagram, Twitter, other 12. Discuss, consider, and take possible action to approve By-Laws 13. Discuss, consider, and take possible action how HRC will have presence at events in Austin 14. Discuss, consider, and take possible action on Pamphlet for the public 15. Discuss, consider, and take possible action how to conduct and hold hearings on complaints 16. Discussion, consider and possible action on Quality Life Study Human Rights 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 …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, July 25, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 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: Garry Brown, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Sareta Davis Malenie Areche Jared Breckenridge Kimberly Brienzi AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Kimberly Brienzi Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Alicia Weigel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS goals for the commission. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of May 23, 2022 2. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding the attendance and videoconference policies. 3. Chair to share announcements on how to schedule 1:1 with each commissioner to understand 4. Presentation by Douglas Ferguson with Voltage Control regarding the SAFE Pledge a partnership with SFACE Alliance (G. Brown/A. Weigel). 5. Discussion of Commission goals for 2022-2023 in the following priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Human Rights DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS ADJOURNMENT 6. Opportunity for the Commissioners to discuss and possible vote on items for the next agenda. 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.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, June 27, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 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: Kimberly Brienzi Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Alicia Weigel Garry Brown, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Sareta Davis Malenie Areche Jared Breckenridge Kimberly Brienzi AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of May 23, 2022 a. Presentation by the Office of Sustainability regarding the creation of a regional food plan. b. Review the letter regarding the preservation of the 4th street district (Chair G. Brown, 2. NEW BUSINESS Davis). 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion of Commission goals for 2021-2022 in the following priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Rights 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 call Sammi Curless at 512-974-3256 or damian.pantoja@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, May 23, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 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 512-974-2544 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sareta Davis, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Malenie Areche Jared Breckenridge Kimberly Brienzi AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Garry Brown Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Alicia Weigel a. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission special called meeting of March 4, 2022; regular meeting of March 28, 2022; special called meeting of April 11, 2022; and regular meeting of April 25, 2022. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding letter of support recognizing the disparate impact of the potential loss of lgbtqia+ identified business and heritage in the Warehouse District of Austin, Texas. (Davis, G. Brown) b. Discussion and possible action on alternate appointment to the Joint Inclusion c. Election of the Chair and Vice-Chair to the Human Rights Commission. (Davis, Casas) Committee. (Davis, Casas) 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion of Commission goals for 2021-2022 in the following priority areas of concern: Institutional Equity i. ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Rights 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 call Sammi Curless at 512-974-2544 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Friday, March 4, 2022 MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a special called meeting on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752. Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 5:44pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Sareta Davis and Garry Brown. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Malenie Areche, Kimberly Brienzi, Isabel Casas, Kristian Caballero, Idona Griffith, Alicia Weigel. Commissioners Absent: Jared Breckenridge, Jamarr Brown, Maram Museitif. Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL NONE. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 28, 2022, Regular Meeting. Chair Davis made a motion to approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of February 28, 2022. Commissioner G. Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge, J. Brown, Museitif, absent. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council related to the City of Austin Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget and Strategic Direction 2023: Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All. (Davis/Casas). Commission Weigel departed the meeting at approximately 6:05pm. Chair Davis made a motion to approve Recommendation Number 20220304-002a: LGBTQIA+ Budget. Commissioner Griffith seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-1 with Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioners Areche, G. Brown, Caballero, and Griffith voting aye; Commissioner Brienzi voting nay and Commissioners Breckenridge, J. Brown, Museitif, and Weigel absent. Commissioner Areche departed, rejoined, and departed the meeting between the two Recommendation actions due to connection issues. 3. Chair Davis made a motion to approve Recommendation Number 20220304-002a: FY 2022-23 Budget Recommendation; Commissioner G. Brown seconded the motion. The passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Areche, Breckenridge, J. Brown, Museitif, and Weigel absent. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key OLD BUSINESS a. priority areas of concern for 2021-2022, including plans and strategies for meeting those key priority areas of concern: i. ii. iii. iv. Institutional Equity Environment & Land Use Health Access & Nutrition Autonomy & Human Rights Due to time constraints no reports were made. Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 7:59pm with no objections.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, March 28, 2022 MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, March 28, 2022, at 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Sareta Davis. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabel Casas, Idona Griffith, Alicia Weigel, Garry Brown, Malenie Areche, Maram Museitif. Commissioners Absent: Jared Breckenridge, Kimberly Brienzi, Jamarr Brown, and Kristian Caballero. Staff in Attendance: Andrea Jordan. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Adam: Speaking on hate crime within the city’s protocols and processes. Sharyn Vane: Speaking on the rise of hate incidents. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of February 28, 2022. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0-1 with Commissioners Breckenridge, Brienzi, J. Brown, and Calaballero absent. Commissioner Museitif abstained. The Commission did not take action on the minutes from the Human Rights Commission's March 4, 2022, Special Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion of briefing on legislation that passed that affects the city – presented by the City’s Intergovernmental Relations Office (IGRO) sponsored by (Davis/Casas) The Commission did not act on the new business. No report/presentations. 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key priority areas of concern for 2021-2022, including plans and strategies for meeting those key priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Rights Commissioner Weigel to sponsor further discussion and possible action about hate crimes in the City of Austin from public communication. Commissioner Davis co-sponsored. Commissioner Museitif to sponsor an investigation regarding the change and turnover from the Office of Civil Rights. Commissioner G. Brown co-sponsored. Chair Davis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:33pm; Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 7-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge, Brienzi, and J. Brown, Caballero absent.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2022 The Human Rights Commission convened a special called meeting on Monday, April 11, 2022, at the City of Austin Permitting & Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1203, Austin TX 78752. Chair Sareta Davis called the Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission members present: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Maram Museitif and Commissioner Caballero. Staff present: Andrea Jordan – liaison CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 28, 2022, Regular Meeting and the March 28, 2022, Regular Meeting. This agenda item will be covered in the April 25, 2022, meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Hear and discuss employee complaints. (Chair S. Davis/M. Museitif/G. Brown). Commissioner Garry Brown moved to adopt a recommendation; Chair Davis seconded. The recommendation was adopted by a majority vote of Commissioners present. Voting in favor were Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Museitif and Commissioner Jamarr Brown. Commissioner Caballero abstained. Commissioners Breckenridge and Commissioner Weigel were absent. 3. ADJOURNMENT Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m. on unanimous consent. 1
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, April 25, 2022 MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 25, 2022, at 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 5:37pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Sareta Davis. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabel Casas, Kristian Caballero, Idona Griffith, Maram Museitif and Alicia Weigel. Commissioners Absent: Malenie Areche, Jared Breckenridge, Kimberly Brienzi, Garry Brown, and Jamarr Brown. Staff in Attendance: Sammi Curless and Brie Franco. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL NONE. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Commission did not take action on the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 28, 2022, Regular Meeting and the March 28, 2022, Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. b. c. Discussion and briefing on legislation that passed that affects the city – presented by the City’s Intergovernmental Relations Office (IGRO) sponsored by (Davis/Casas). Brie Franco, Intergovernmental Relations Officer, provided a recap presentation of the 87th legislative session. Vote on Recommendation Number: (20220425-001): Hate Incident Reporting. (Weigel/Davis) Chair Davis made a motion to approve the recommendation; Commissioner Weigel seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Areche, Breckenridge, Brienzi, G. Brown, and J. Brown absent. Nominate someone to be on the Joint Inclusion Committee. The Commission needs to select a representative who will be able to attend those meetings on their behalf. Chair Davis motioned that Idona Griffith serve as the primary representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee and to select a new secondary representative at a future meeting without objection. The recommendation passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Areche, Breckenridge, Brienzi, G. Brown, and J. Brown absent. 3. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key OLD BUSINESS a. priority areas of concern for 2021-2022, including plans and strategies for meeting those key priority areas of concern: Institutional Equity Commissioner Weigel mentioned need for Commissioner attendance at meetings. i. ii. iii. iv. Environment & Land Use Health Access & Nutrition No report. No report. No report. Autonomy & Human Rights Chair Davis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:24pm; Commissioner Museitif seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Areche, Breckenridge, Brienzi, G. Brown, and J. Brown absent.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, April 25, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 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 512-974-2544 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sareta Davis, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Malenie Areche Jared Breckenridge Kimberly Brienzi Garry Brown Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Maram Museitif Alicia Weigel CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 28, 2022, Regular Meeting and the March 28, 2022, Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and briefing on legislation that passed that affects the city – presented by the City’s Intergovernmental Relations Office (IGRO) sponsored by (Davis/Casas). b. Vote on Recommendation Number: (20220425-001): Hate Incident Reporting. (Weigel/Davis) c. Nominate someone to be on the Joint Inclusion Committee. The Commission needs to select a representative who will be able to attend those meetings on their behalf. 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key priority areas of concern for 2021-2022, including plans and strategies for meeting those key priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Rights 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 call Sammi Curless at 512-974-2544 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: (20220425‐001): Hate Incident Reporting WHEREAS, hate incidents have increased YoY across Austin and nationwide; and WHEREAS, there is documented confusion regarding the usage of Austin 311 and Online Reporting Tools to report hate crimes vs. “bias‐based” incidents—as well as how to differentiate between the two; and WHEREAS, individuals looking to report hate crimes in good faith often refrain from doing so based either in that confusion or in fear of being charged with filing a false police report; and WHEREAS, there is no singular place to report hate crimes and/or incidents, with seven distinct recommended avenues published on the Austin and Travis County Hate Crimes Taskforce site; and WHEREAS, those reporting to APD must be prepared for a call back from an unknown number to take a report with, three missed calls resulting in a closed case with no further action; and WHEREAS, reports being made through disparate entities creates barriers to aggregating and accurately understanding the nature of hate‐based incidents in our city, meanwhile deflating overall numbers; and WHEREAS, the multilateral Hate Crimes Task Force exists and launched working groups to address anti‐ hate initiatives, it meets infrequently and has not issued a report since 2012; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission encourages the Austin City Council to: ● Ensure adequate coordination and collaboration between the offices of the County Sheriff, District Attorney, Austin Police Department and the various organizations listed as avenues for reporting hate incidents in the city of Austin ● Build a cohesive system to capture accurate data as well as analyze data for patterns to effectively assess trends in hate incidents and guide the city's proactive response. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: () Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: (20220425-2b): Hate Incident Reporting WHEREAS, hate incidents have increased YoY across Austin and nationwide; and WHEREAS, there is documented confusion regarding the usage of Austin 311 and Online Reporting Tools to report hate crimes vs. “bias-based” incidents—as well as how to differentiate between the two; and WHEREAS, individuals looking to report hate crimes in good faith often refrain from doing so based either in that confusion or in fear of being charged with filing a false police report; and WHEREAS, there is no singular place to report hate crimes and/or incidents, with seven distinct recommended avenues published on the Austin and Travis County Hate Crimes Taskforce site; and WHEREAS, those reporting to APD must be prepared for a call back from an unknown number to take a report with three missed calls resulting in a closed case with no further action; and WHEREAS, reports being made through disparate entities creates barriers to aggregating and accurately understanding the nature of hate-based incidents in our city, meanwhile deflating overall numbers; and WHEREAS, the multilateral Hate Crimes Task Force exists and launched working groups to address antihate initiatives, it meets infrequently and has not issued a report since 2012; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission encourages the Austin City Council to: • • Ensure adequate coordination and collaboration between the offices of the County Sheriff, District Attorney, Austin Police Department and the various organizations listed as avenues for reporting hate incidents in the city of Austin Build a cohesive system to capture accurate data as well as analyze data for patterns to effectively assess trends in hate incidents and guide the city's proactive response. Date of Approval: April 25, 2022 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 6-0 vote with Commissioners Areche, Breckenridge, Brienzi, Brown and Brown absent. Attest: _____________________________________________
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, April 25, 2022 MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 25, 2022, at 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 5:37pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Sareta Davis. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabel Casas, Kristian Caballero, Idona Griffith, Maram Museitif and Alicia Weigel. Commissioners Absent: Malenie Areche, Jared Breckenridge, Kimberly Brienzi, Garry Brown, and Jamarr Brown. Staff in Attendance: Sammi Curless and Brie Franco. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL NONE. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Commission did not take action on the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 28, 2022, Regular Meeting and the March 28, 2022, Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. b. c. Discussion and briefing on legislation that passed that affects the city – presented by the City’s Intergovernmental Relations Office (IGRO) sponsored by (Davis/Casas). Brie Franco, Intergovernmental Relations Officer, provided a recap presentation of the 87th legislative session. Vote on Recommendation Number: (20220425-001): Hate Incident Reporting. (Weigel/Davis) Chair Davis made a motion to approve the recommendation; Commissioner Weigel seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Areche, Breckenridge, Brienzi, G. Brown, and J. Brown absent. Nominate someone to be on the Joint Inclusion Committee. The Commission needs to select a representative who will be able to attend those meetings on their behalf. Chair Davis motioned that Idona Griffith serve as the primary representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee and to select a new secondary representative at a future meeting without objection. The recommendation passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Areche, Breckenridge, Brienzi, G. Brown, and J. Brown absent. 3. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key OLD BUSINESS a. priority areas of concern for 2021-2022, including plans and strategies for meeting those key priority areas of concern: Institutional Equity Commissioner Weigel mentioned need for Commissioner attendance at meetings. i. ii. iii. iv. Environment & Land Use Health Access & Nutrition No report. No report. No report. Autonomy & Human Rights Chair Davis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:24pm; Commissioner Museitif seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Areche, Breckenridge, Brienzi, G. Brown, and J. Brown absent.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Special Called Meeting Monday, April 11, 2022 6:00 p.m. – Adjournment Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco room 1203 Austin, TX 78723 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 512-974-3250 or andrea.jordan@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sareta Davis, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Malenie Areche Jared Breckenridge Kimberly Brienzi Garry Brown Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Maram Museitif Alicia Weigel CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Members of the public signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 28, 2022, Regular Meeting and the March 28, 2022, Regular Meeting. Hear, discuss, consider, and take possible action on complaints about the work environment in the City of Austin’s Office of Civil Rights (Chair Davis/Museitif/G. Brown) 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 call Andrea Jordan, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3250 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Andrea Jordan at (512) 974-3250 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/hrc.
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20220411-002a: Work Environment in the Office of Civil Rights WHEREAS, there are allegations of a hostile work environment inside the Office of Civil Rights, and; WHEREAS, the current director of the Office of Civil Rights is still running the office, and; WHEREAS, the allegations are directed at the director and an outside law firm is investigating the allegations, and; WHEREAS, the Austin Human Rights Commission received notice on Monday, April 11, 2022, that all agendas will be reviewed by the Civil Rights Officer and Legal prior to approval. This new mandate has timing that coincided with a meeting that included an agenda item to discuss the current investigation into the Civil Rights Officer. WHEREAS, in December 2021, the City Council removed the Commission’s authority to conduct hearings that review findings of cause or no cause by the Civil Rights Office, and; WHEREAS, NAACP President Nelson Linder communicated that the current situation in the Office of Civil Rights is a disparate impact caused to those reporting claims to the Office of Civil Rights, and; THEREFORE, be it resolved, that: The Austin Human Rights Commission asks the City Council to request that the city manager place the Civil Rights Officer on administrative paid leave until the conclusion of the investigation. The Austin Human Rights Commission requests that commission meeting agendas be reviewed by the Clerk’s Office and Legal that complies with all policies, procedures, and laws until the conclusion of the investigation. The Austin Human Rights Commission requests the City Council restore the Chapter 21 commission language that provided authority to conduct hearings that review findings of cause or no cause. (See exhibit A – attached) Date of Approval: April 11, 2022 Record of the vote: 6 in favor -1 abstension; Commissioner Garry Brown motion, Chair Davis second. Voting in favor were Commissioner Griffith, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Museitif and Commissioner Griffith. Commissioner Caballero abstained. Commissioner Breckenridge, and Commissioner Weigel were absent. Attest: Andrea Jordan Andrea Jordan Staff Liaison
