HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, November 28, 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 (5:58 pm) Idona Griffith – V Alicia Weigel - V Gabriella Zeidan – P (5:49 pm) Garry Brown, Chair – P Isabel Casas, Vice Chair – P Sareta Davis - V (6:53 pm) Malenie Areche – A Isaiah Smith – P (5:47 pm) Kimberly Brienzi – P P – Present V – Virtual A – Absent CALL TO ORDER Start: 5:45 pm AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Bob Kafka – spoke about an incident with a coffee franchise APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Complete 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of Oct 24, 2022: Commissioner Griffith made the motion and Commissioner Smith second 8 – 0 2. Presentation how the commission can get involved regarding homelessness in the area: DISCUSSION ITEMS – Complete moved to January DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS – Complete 3. Discussion and possible take action on creating a statement regarding the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs: Chair G. Brown made the motion and Commissioner Griffith second 6 – 1 – 1 4. Discussion and possible take action to post statement on approved City social Media 5. Chair to discuss, give an update, and possible take action to regarding the By-Laws: 6. Discuss, give an update, and possible take action on how HRC will engage in Austin: page: Complete Complete Complete 7. Continue discussion with the Commission to consider, and take possible action how to conduct and hold hearings on complaints: Complete 8. Opportunity for the Commissioners and City staff to discuss and possible vote on items for the next agenda: Complete ADJOURNMENT End: 6:59 pm Chair G. Brown made the motion and seconded by Commissioner Brienzi to adjourn; 8-0 The minutes were approved at the XX meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote.
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 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 Pozen, and Krueger were off the dais. Commissioner …
1. 2. REGULAR MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, September 23, 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) Michael Stevenson Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam (He/Him) Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Jeffrey Clemmons Srini Raghavan Harriett Kirsh Pozen Danielle Bryant 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 August 26, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM Approve a recommendation to Council to protect voting rights in Texas and Travis County. 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 contact Eric Anderson, Office of (512) 974-2562 or 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
1. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on August 26, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Jeffrey Clemmons Harriet Kirsh Pozen Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Danielle Bryant Morgan Davis Mariana Krueger Srini Raghavan Commissioners Absent: Michael Stevenson Alicia Weigel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos Soto – Community Advancement Network (CAN) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on July 22, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of July 22, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Clemmons’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Stevenson and Weigel were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 1 Staff briefing regarding the Homeless Assistance Outcomes Follow-Up from Ashley Diaz, Office of the City Auditor. The presentation was made by Ashley Diaz, Auditor I, Office of the City Auditor and Kelsey Thompson, Assistant City Auditor, Office of the City Auditor. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of takeaways and feedback from community back to school events and potential initiatives to support families and youth. Discussed. Discussion of training opportunities with the League of Women Voters for high school voter registration. Discussed. Update from the Budget working group regarding the inclusion of Human Rights Commission recommendations in the City of Austin Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget. Chair Duhon provided an update. WORKING GROUP UPDATE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 7:02 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the XX meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote. 2. 3. 4. 5. 2
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20240923-002: Recommendation to protect voting rights in Texas and Travis County Whereas: The single most important right in a democracy is the right to vote. Whereas: Whereas, over the course of history, various voter suppression laws in the United States have hindered, and even prohibited, certain individuals and groups from exercising the right to vote. Texas has a long history of voter suppression that included literacy tests and poll taxes. Whereas: On August 20, 2024, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ordered raids with armed officers in an ongoing investigation of voter fraud. One warrant targeted LULAC volunteer Lidia Martinez, 87, of San Antonio. Whereas: Early September Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Travis and Bexar County in an effort to block local voter registration efforts. Whereas: August 6, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott announced that 1,150,000 have been taken of Texas’ voter rolls since 2021. Whereas: Only 42% of eligible Texans voted in 2022 – 40th in the nation, 4 points below the national average. Now, Therefore, be it resolved: The right to vote should be free of harassment, discrimination, and fear of retaliation. 1: A support to Congress to pass The Freedom to Vote Act (H. R. 11, S. 1, 118th Congress), to set basic national standards to make sure all people in the United States can cast their ballots in the way that works best for them, regardless of what ZIP Code they live in, improve access to the ballot for people in the United States, advance commonsense election integrity reforms. 2: Support to Travis County Commissioner’s courts efforts to get out the vote. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20240923-002: Recommendation to protect voting rights in Texas and Travis County Whereas: The single most important right in a democracy is the right to vote. Whereas: Whereas, over the course of history, various voter suppression laws in the United States have hindered, and even prohibited, certain individuals and groups from exercising the right to vote. Texas has a long history of voter suppression that included literacy tests and poll taxes. Whereas: On August 20, 2024, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ordered raids with armed officers in an ongoing investigation of voter fraud. One warrant targeted LULAC volunteer Lidia Martinez, 87, of San Antonio. Whereas: Early September Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Travis and Bexar County in an effort to block local voter registration efforts. Whereas: August 6, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott announced that 1,150,000 have been taken off Texas’ voter rolls since 2021. Whereas: Only 42% of eligible Texans voted in 2022 – 40th in the nation, 4 points below the national average. Now, Therefore, be it resolved: The right to vote should be free of harassment, discrimination, and fear of retaliation. 1: The Commission calls on Council to pass a resolution calling on Congress to support the Freedom to Vote Act (H. R. 11, S. 1, 118th Congress), to set basic national standards to make sure all people in the United States can cast their ballots in the way that works best for them, regardless of what ZIP Code they live in, improve access to the ballot for people in the United States, advance commonsense election integrity reforms. 2: The Commission urges City Council to leverage its resources, where appropriate, to support the Travis County Commissioners Court’s efforts to get out the vote. Date of Approval: September 23, 2024 Record of the vote: The recommendation was approved on Commissioner Weigel’s motion, Commissioner Clemmons’ second a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Kirsh Pozen, Raghavan, and Stevenson were absent. Attest: ____________________________________________ Eric Anderson, Staff Liaison, Office of the City Clerk 1 of 1
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on September 23, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:12 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Mariana Krueger Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Jeffrey Clemmons Morgan Davis Alicia Weigel Commissioners Absent: Danielle Bryant Harriet Kirsh Pozen Srini Raghavan Michael Stevenson PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on August 26, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of August 26, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Kirsh Pozen, Raghavan, and Stevenson were absent. 1. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 2. Approve a recommendation to Council to protect voting rights in Texas and Travis County. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Commissioner Weigel and seconded by Commissioner Clemmons. The following amendment was made by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Commissioner Krueger. The amendment was to revise the fifth “Whereas” clause to read: “Whereas: August 6, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott announced that 1,150,000 have been taken off Texas’ voter rolls since 2021.” The amendment was approved on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Kirsh Pozen, Raghavan, and Stevenson were absent. The following amendment was made by Chair Duhon and seconded by Vice Chair Zeidan. The amendment was to revise section 1 of the “Now, Therefore, be is resolved” clause to read: “1: The Commission calls on Council to pass a resolution calling on Congress to support the Freedom to Vote Act (H. R. 11, S. 1, 118th Congress), to set basic national standards to make sure all people in the United States can cast their ballots in the way that works best for them, regardless of what ZIP Code they live in, improve access to the ballot for people in the United States, advance commonsense election integrity reforms.” The amendment was approved on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Kirsh Pozen, Raghavan, and Stevenson were absent. The following amendment was made by Commissioner Krueger and seconded by Commissioner Clemmons. The amendment was to revise section 2 of the “Now, Therefore, be is resolved” clause to read: “2: The Commission urges City Council to leverage its resources, where appropriate, to support the Travis …
REGULAR MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, August 26, 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) Michael Stevenson Muneeb ‘Meebs’ Aslam (He/Him) Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Jeffrey Clemmons Srini Raghavan Harriett Kirsh Pozen Danielle Bryant AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 July 22, 2024. Staff briefing regarding the Homeless Assistance Outcomes Follow-Up from Ashley Diaz, Office of the City Auditor. 1. 2. STAFF BRIEFING DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of takeaways and feedback from community back to school events and potential initiatives to support families and youth. Discussion of training opportunities with the League of Women Voters for high school voter registration. Update from the Budget working group regarding the inclusion of Human Rights Commission recommendations in the City of Austin Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget. 3. 4. 5. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 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. (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, JULY 22, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on July 22, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Morgan Davis Harriet Kirsh Pozen Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Danielle Bryant Mariana Krueger Srini Raghavan Michael Stevenson Alicia Weigel Commissioners Absent: Jeffrey Clemmons PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on June 24, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of June 24, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Davis’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Krueger abstained. Commissioner Stevenson was off the dais. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. Discussion of changing the Human Rights Commission December 23, 2024, meeting date. A motion to look into cancelling the Commission’s December 23, 2024, meeting and hold a of a December 16, 2024, special called meeting was approved on Commissioner Zeidan’s motion, Commission Bryant’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. Discussion of upcoming community back to school events. Discussed. 3. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve the Human Rights Commission 2023 Annual Internal Report and Review, including the Commission’s goals and objectives for the next year. The 2023 Annual Internal Report and Review was approved with the following amendment on Commission Davis’ motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. The amendment was to revise Section 1. to include a list of the of all the recommendations approved by the Commission during the year covered by the report. The list will be in chronological order and include the title of each recommendation. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A presentation from the SIMS Foundation was requested by Vice Chair Zeidan and Chair Duhon. A discussion item related to future educational opportunities was requested by Vice Chair Zeidan and Commissioner Bryant. ADJOURNMENT Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 6:39 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the XX meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote. 2. 4. 2
Homelessness Assistance Outcomes Follow-Up OFFICE OF THE CITY AUDITOR August 2024 Background Background 2021 Follow-Up Background 2018 Allocation of City Resources Recommendation 1: Improve data about the homeless population Recommendation 2: Develop strategies to meet the current housing need Implemented In Progress 2018 Allocation of City Resources Recommendation 1: Implemented To improve the quality and accuracy of data collected about the homeless population. Improvements • The City uses Coordinated Assessments. • Data is published in the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition(ECHO)’s dashboard. 2018 Allocation of City Resources Recommendation 2: In Progress To develop and implement strategies to meet current need for housing. Permanent Supportive Housing Pipeline 1345 1228 Updates • The City increased the supply of Permanent Supportive Housing. • The City does not have a clear and updated goal. May 2024 Dec 2024 Dec 2025 Dec 2026 Dec 2027 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 237 988 530 2019 Outcomes of City Efforts Recommendation 1 Measure long-term success Recommendation 2 Improve contracts Recommendation 3 Enhance and develop new prevention programs Recommendation 4 Improve coordination among case management providers In Progress In Progress In Progress In Progress 2019 Outcomes of City Efforts Recommendation 1: In Progress To review how the City measures long-term success of homelessness efforts. Updates • The Homeless Strategy Office(HSO) is creating a strategic plan. Recommendation 2: In Progress Updates To ensure contracts include long-term outcomes, client feedback, client prioritization, and appropriate resources are dedicated. • Not all contracts require all items. • Vendors may still be taking actions towards items. 2019 Outcomes of City Efforts Recommendation 3: In Progress To enhance the capacity of existing homeless prevention programs and develop new programs. Updates • The Homeless Strategy Office(HSO) manages two prevention programs. • HSO plans to develop additional programs. Recommendation 4: In Progress To design and implement changes to improve coordination and collaboration among entities providing case management. Updates • The HSO and the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition(ECHO) host meetings with case management entities. Questions?
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on August 26, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Jeffrey Clemmons Harriet Kirsh Pozen Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Danielle Bryant Morgan Davis Mariana Krueger Srini Raghavan Commissioners Absent: Michael Stevenson Alicia Weigel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos Soto – Community Advancement Network (CAN) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on July 22, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of July 22, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Clemmons’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Stevenson and Weigel were absent. 1. STAFF BRIEFING 1 Staff briefing regarding the Homeless Assistance Outcomes Follow-Up from Ashley Diaz, Office of the City Auditor. The presentation was made by Ashley Diaz, Auditor I, Office of the City Auditor and Kelsey Thompson, Assistant City Auditor, Office of the City Auditor. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of takeaways and feedback from community back to school events and potential initiatives to support families and youth. Discussed. Discussion of training opportunities with the League of Women Voters for high school voter registration. Discussed. Update from the Budget working group regarding the inclusion of Human Rights Commission recommendations in the City of Austin Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget. Chair Duhon provided an update. WORKING GROUP UPDATE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 7:02 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the September 23, 2024, meeting on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Kirsh Pozen, Raghavan, and Stevenson were absent. 2. 3. 4. 5. 2
REGULAR MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, July 22, 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) Michael Stevenson Muneeb ‘Meebs’ Aslam (He/Him) Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Jeffrey Clemmons Srini Raghavan Harriett Kirsh Pozen Danielle Bryant 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on June 24, 2024. Discussion of changing the Human Rights Commission December 23, 2024, meeting date. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion of upcoming community back to school events. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Approve the Human Rights Commission 2023 Annual Internal Report and Review, including the Commission’s goals and objectives for the next year. 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 or contact Eric Anderson, Office 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 974-2562 (512) of at
1. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY JUNE 24, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on June 24, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Jeffrey Clemmons Morgan Davis Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Danielle Bryant Harriet Kirsh Pozen Srini Raghavan Michael Stevenson Alicia Weigel Commissioners Absent: Mariana Krueger PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission Special Called Meeting on May 20, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of May 20, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Clemmons’ motion, Commissioner Kirsh Pozen’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Davis and Weigel were off the dais. Commissioner Krueger was absent. 1 3. 4. DISCUSSION ITEM Discussion of the State of Texas' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ban (Senate Bill 17). Discussed. 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a recommendation to Council to address the rise in drug overdoses in the City of Austin, promote the legalization of fentanyl testing strips, and promote harm reduction efforts. The motion to approve the recommendation to address the rise in drug overdoses in the City of Austin, promote the legalization of fentanyl testing strips, and promote harm reduction efforts was approved on Commissioner Clemmons’ motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Krueger was absent. Approve a recommendation to Council on public safety at Austin Pride Parade and Pride Events. The motion to approve the recommendation on public safety at Austin Pride Parade and Pride Events with the following friendly amendment was approved on Commissioner Davis’ motion, Commissioner Aslam’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Krueger was absent. The friendly amendment from Chair Duhon was to remove the fourth Whereas clause. This was accepted by the maker of the motion, Commissioner Davis. COMMITTEE UPDATES FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 5. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee on the Commission on Veterans Affairs joining the Joint Inclusion Committee and the City of Austin Poet Laureate Program. Commissioner Davis provided an update. Commissioners Aslam and Clemmons requested a staff briefing on the status of the homeless services audit. Chair Duhon and Commission Davis requested an item to approve and discuss the Human Rights Commission Annual Internal Review and Report. ADJOURNMENT Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 6:31 p.m. without …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 ____________________________________ City of Austin Human Rights Commission The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: (A)The Human Rights Commission should be composed of members who as nearly as possible are representative of the several social, economic, religious, cultural, ethnic, and racial groups which comprise the population of the City. (B)The commission shall: (1)advise and consult with the city council on all matters involving racial, religious, or ethnic discrimination, and devise practices to promote equal opportunity; (2)serve in an advisory and consultive capacity to all city departments, advisory boards, and regulatory agencies to assure effective compliance with non-discrimination policies and orders, and recommend to the city manager measures to improve the ability of various departments and agencies to ensure equal protection of any and all persons and groups against discrimination; (3)recommend to the city council legislation to aid in programs designed to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and encourage community support for the legislation; (4)aid in the formulation of local community groups in neighborhoods as needed to carry out specific programs; (5)initiate and facilitate discussions and negotiations between individuals and groups to lessen tensions and improve understanding in the community; (6)institute and conduct educational programs to promote equal treatment, opportunity and understanding, and sponsor meetings, institutes, forums, and courses of instruction to lead to a clearer understanding and solution of human relations problems; (7)assist in training city employees to use methods of dealing with intergroup relations that result in respect for equal rights and equal treatment, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies whose primary jurisdiction is within the City to develop and include human rights courses in the curriculum of police training; (8)conduct research, obtain factual data, and hold public hearings to ascertain the status and treatment of racial, religious, and ethnic groups in the city and the best means of progressively improving human relations; (9)provide services and information to the city manager and heads of all city departments and agencies to achieve the purposes of this chapter; and (10)cooperate with all city, state, county, federal, and other governmental agencies, as well as racial, religious, ethnic, nationality, educational, community, civic, fraternal, benevolent and other groups, associations, societies, and individuals with constructive talents and resources helpful in achieving mutual appreciation of the privileges and the responsibilities of citizenship in a land of freedom enriched by free commerce and full …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JULY 22, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on July 22, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Morgan Davis Harriet Kirsh Pozen Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Danielle Bryant Mariana Krueger Srini Raghavan Michael Stevenson Alicia Weigel Commissioners Absent: Jeffrey Clemmons PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on June 24, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of June 24, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Davis’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Krueger abstained. Commissioner Stevenson was off the dais. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. Discussion of changing the Human Rights Commission December 23, 2024, meeting date. A motion to look into cancelling the Commission’s December 23, 2024, meeting and hold a of a December 16, 2024, special called meeting was approved on Commissioner Zeidan’s motion, Commission Bryant’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. Discussion of upcoming community back to school events. Discussed. 3. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve the Human Rights Commission 2023 Annual Internal Report and Review, including the Commission’s goals and objectives for the next year. The 2023 Annual Internal Report and Review was approved with the following amendment on Commission Davis’ motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. The amendment was to revise Section 1. to include a list of the of all the recommendations approved by the Commission during the year covered by the report. The list will be in chronological order and include the title of each recommendation. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A presentation from the SIMS Foundation was requested by Vice Chair Zeidan and Chair Duhon. A discussion item related to future educational opportunities was requested by Vice Chair Zeidan and Commissioner Bryant. ADJOURNMENT Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 6:39 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the August 26, 2024, meeting on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Clemmons’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Stevenson and Weigel were absent. 2. 4. 2
REGULAR MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, June 24, 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) Michael Stevenson Muneeb ‘Meebs’ Aslam (He/Him) Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Jeffrey Clemmons Srini Raghavan Harriett Kirsh Pozen Danielle Bryant 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission Special Called Meeting on May 20, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEM 2. Discussion of the State of Texas' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ban (Senate Bill 17). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a recommendation to Council to address the rise in drug overdoses in the City of Austin, promote the legalization of fentanyl testing strips, and promote harm reduction efforts. Approve a recommendation to Council on public safety at Austin Pride Parade and Pride Events. 3. 4. 5. COMMITTEE UPDATES FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee on the Commission on Veterans Affairs joining the Joint Inclusion Committee and the City of Austin Poet Laureate Program. 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
