Budget Recommendation 2022-23 DRAFT families; WHEREAS, On February 22, 2022, Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton issued disturbing and dangerous directives impeding the safety and personal freedoms of our transgender youth and their WHEREAS, City of Austin values and recognizes the LGBTQIA+ community and will not support any efforts to compromise the welfare and safety of our LGBTQIA+ youth and their families; WHEREAS, Gender identity and freedom of expression are vital to how children and teens see themselves and their ability to thrive; WHEREAS, Family support and professional care reduce suicide attempts by LGBTQIA+ youth by 40%; WHEREAS, It is critical for families and transgender youth to have safe access to resources and professional guidance to ensure a positive quality of life; WHEREAS, Major medical healthcare organizations support gender-affirming care and oppose legislation that will hinder medical care for transgender youth; WHEREAS, Dismissing the needs of transgender youth and families is fundamentally negligent and poses a significant risk that may have harmful and dangerous physical and mental health consequences; WHEREAS, Actions like those of Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton are likely to increase rejection, targeted harassment, and hate crimes against transgender youth intersex youth; statewide; WHEREAS, The intended directives by Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton are a misrepresentation of the law and intend to erode the rights of families and the LGBTQIA+ youth WHEREAS, City of Austin Leadership has a long history of standing in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community, including recent actions of the Travis County Attorney and District Attorney statements to not unjustifiably interfere with the medical decisions made between children, their parents, and their medical physicians; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Human Rights Commission recommends to Council and the City Manager to stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community, protect their rights to seek care and feel physically and mentally safe in our community, oppose actions that negatively impact the well-being and rights of LGBTQIA+ youth and their families, and include funding in the FY 2022-2023 budget to demonstrate this commitment.
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20220304-2A: City of Austin Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget Recommendation WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin (“Commission”) advocates on behalf of human rights for all people in the City of Austin (“City”); and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023, including the strategic outcomes of Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee hosted Budget Engagement Community Forums to receive feedback from the community on budget priorities, and to help ensure and inclusive and transparent budget process that incorporates resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure community priorities are being met; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission recommends the City Council to give careful consideration to the following Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Proposals: Public Safety I. An open process and community input in selection of the next APD Police Chief . HRC 20210419-001a: FY 2021-22 Budget Recommendation II. Guidance from the community/quality of life commissions on the selection process instead of waiting for community input after final candidates have been selected. III. Divert Funds from APD to other social service agencies and non-police crisis intervention programs. IV. Explore the possibility of establishing a fund that Peace Officers must pay into for insurance to cover the costs of abuse of force complaints and law suits. V. Establish a bonus incentive program for officers that maintain a professional record clear of abuse of force allegations. Health and Environment I. Community approach for health care navigation and support: Resources exist for specific communities, but coverage is not consistent across all constituencies. II. The City of Austin should provide coordination/oversight to ensure resources are equitable and address gaps. III. Outreach and Navigation: Digital Access: Includes wifi, devices, and training. Need to address different needs for seniors, kids in school, adults working from home, people with disabilities and/or who are homebound, people who need access to healthcare (e.g. telehealth), access to workforce development/job postings, etc. Targeted interventions specific to each community are needed. IV. The City should include these recommendations in their digital inclusion strategic plan (TARA “Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs”). 2 HRC 20210419-001a: FY 2021-22 Budget Recommendation V. Funding should be provided for programs to enroll inmates released into the community in health care coverage insurance plans. Economic Opportunity, Culture, & Affordability I. …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20220304-002a: FY 2022-23 Budget Recommendation WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin (“Commission”) advocates on behalf of human rights for all people in the City of Austin (“City”); and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023, including the strategic outcomes of Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee hosted Budget Engagement Community Forums to receive feedback from the community on budget priorities, and to help ensure and inclusive and transparent budget process that incorporates resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure community priorities are being met; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission recommends the City Council to give careful consideration to the following Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Proposals: DO NOT TOUCH THE FUNDING PRESENT OR FUTURE FOR THE FOLLOWING: 1. MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 2. DIRECT CASH ASSISTANCE FOR RENT OR ANY OTHER PURPOSE 3. QWELL COMMUNITY GRANT TO CONDUCT DATA COLLETION FOR LGBTQIA+ WELL BEING; THIS DATE IS CONTRIBUTED TO THE LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE STUDY--$500,000 GRANT WILL EXPIRE SOON AND $300,000 WILL BE REQUESTED TO CONTINUE 4. THE CITY OF AUSTIN EQUITY OFFICE AND VACANT POSITIONS FUNDS FROM THE VACANCY SAVINGS 5. THE CITY OF AUSTIN OFFICE OF POLICE OVERSIGHT AND VACANT POSITIONS FUNDS FROM THE VACANCY SAVINGS 6. AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTH AND VACANT POSITIONS FUNDS FROM THE VACANCY SAVINGS 7. ANY AND ALL MAC FUNDING 8. ANY AND ALL FUNDING FOR THE CARVER MUSEUM 9. GRANT FUNDING FOR THE AMERICAN GATEWAYS PROGRAM; MUST PROVIDE $460,000 IF NOT MORE FOR THEIR NEW GRANT REQUEST Public Safety I. Continue funding to other social service agencies and non-police crisis intervention II. programs. Establish a bonus incentive program for officers that maintain a professional record clear of abuse of force allegations. Health and Environment I. Community approach for health care navigation and support: Resources exist for specific communities, but coverage is not consistent across all constituencies. II. The City of Austin should provide coordination/oversight to ensure resources are equitable and address gaps. III. Outreach and Navigation: Digital Access: Includes wifi, devices, and training. Need to address different needs for seniors, kids in school, adults working from home, people with disabilities and/or who are homebound, people who need access to healthcare (e.g. telehealth), access to workforce development/job postings, etc. Targeted interventions …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20220304-002a: LGBTQIA+ Budget WHEREAS, On February 22, 2022, Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton issued disturbing and dangerous directives impeding the safety and personal freedoms of our transgender youth and their families; WHEREAS, City of Austin values and recognizes the LGBTQIA+ community and will not support any efforts to compromise the welfare and safety of our LGBTQIA+ youth and their families; WHEREAS, Gender identity and freedom of expression are vital to how children and teens see themselves and their ability to thrive; WHEREAS, Family support and professional care reduce suicide attempts by LGBTQIA+ youth by 40%; WHEREAS, It is critical for families and transgender youth to have safe access to resources and professional guidance to ensure a positive quality of life; WHEREAS, Major medical healthcare organizations support gender-affirming care and oppose legislation that will hinder medical care for transgender youth; WHEREAS, Dismissing the needs of transgender youth and families is fundamentally negligent and poses a significant risk that may have harmful and dangerous physical and mental health consequences; WHEREAS, Actions like those of Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton are likely to increase rejection, targeted harassment, and hate crimes against transgender youth intersex youth; WHEREAS, The intended directives by Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton are a misrepresentation of the law and intend to erode the rights of families and the LGBTQIA+ youth statewide; WHEREAS, City of Austin Leadership has a long history of standing in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community, including recent actions of the Travis County Attorney and District Attorney statements to not unjustifiably interfere with the medical decisions made between children, their parents, and their medical physicians; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Human Rights Commission recommends to Council and the City Manager to stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community, protect their rights to seek care and feel physically and mentally safe in our community, oppose actions that negatively impact the well-being and rights of LGBTQIA+ youth and their families, and include funding in the FY 2022-2023 budget to demonstrate this commitment. Date of Approval: March 4, 2022 Record of the vote: 6-1; Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Griffith second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, and Commissioner Griffith. Commissioner Brienzi voted against. Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Museitif, and Commissioner Weigel were absent. Attest: Jonathan Babiak Jonathan Babiak, …
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. 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. 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: 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, February 28, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1406 Austin TX 78752 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. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s November 22, 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2021 Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways, followed by discussion and possible action regarding an update on the successes of the American Gateways program serving the low income immigrant community and request for support in making immigration legal services a continued priority in the city’s budget for next year. (Davis/Casas) b. 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) c. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council and the City Manager to strengthen policies regarding investigative authority for the City of Austin Office of Police Oversight. (Brown, G./Davis) d. Discussion and possible action regarding commissioner nominations to the Joint Inclusion Committee. (Davis/Casas) 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 Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3203 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Jonathan Babiak …
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, February 28, 2022 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, February 28, 2022 at City of Austin Permitting & Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1406, Austin TX 78752. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Staff in Attendance: Andrea Jordan, Investigator, Office of Civil Rights (OCR); Jonathan Babiak, Business Process Consultant, OCR CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. The minutes from the regular meeting of November 22, 2021 were approved on a vote of 6-0: Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Garry Brown second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif were absent. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways, followed by discussion and possible action regarding an update on the successes of the American Gateways program serving the low income immigrant community and request for support in making immigration legal services a continued priority in the city’s budget for next year. (Davis/Casas) Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways presented to the Commission and answered questions from the Commission. The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. b. 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) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. 1 c. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council and the City Manager to strengthen policies regarding investigative authority for the City of Austin Office of Police Oversight. (Brown, G./Davis) The Commission discussed this item. Chair Davis moved to adopt the recommendation, Commissioner Garry Brown second. The recommendation was adopted on a vote of 6-0. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif were absent. d. Discussion and possible action regarding commissioner nominations to the Joint Inclusion …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20220228-002c: Strengthen Office of Police Oversight Whereas, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) received modifications to increase the powers of the office in 2018; and Whereas, the City of Austin, and by extension the OPO, recently lost an arbitration case to the Austin Police Association and thereby restricting the OPO’s ability to complete its oversight responsibilities of Austin police officers; and Whereas, the current contract between the city and the police union is set to expire this year; Now therefore be it resolved, that the City of Austin Human Rights Commission encourages the Austin City Council and the City Manager to insist that the new contract with the Austin Police Association include provisions strengthening and extending the powers of the Office of Police Oversight to investigate issues arising out of any possible violations by individuals employed by the Austin Police Department. Date of Approval: February 28, 2022 Record of the vote: 6-0; Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Garry Brown second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif were absent. Attest: Jonathan Babiak Jonathan Babiak, Staff Liaison
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, January 24, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1406 Austin TX 78752 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 CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Citizens 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. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s November 22, 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2021 Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways, followed by discussion and possible action regarding an update on the successes of the American Gateways program serving the low income immigrant community and request for support in making immigration legal services a continued priority in the city’s budget for next year. (Davis/Casas) b. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council and the City Manager to strengthen policies regarding investigative authority for the City of Austin Office of Police Oversight. (Brown, G./Davis) c. Discussion and possible action regarding commissioner nominations to the Joint Inclusion Committee. (Davis/Casas) 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 Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3203 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3203 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/hrc.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, December 27, 2021 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1406 Austin TX 78752 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 CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Citizens 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. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s November 22, 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2021 Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS None 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 Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3203 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3203 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/hrc.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, November 22, 2021 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1406 Austin TX 78752 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 CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Citizens 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. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s September 27, 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2021 Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council for a World Human Rights Day Proclamation. (Brown/Museitif/Davis) 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action related to Campaign Zero’s 8 Can’t Wait initiative and recommending Austin Police Department address inappropriate use of force by implementing a Duty to Intervene policy for officers. (Casas/Davis) b. 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 Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3203 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3203 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/hrc.
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20211122-002a: Human Rights Day Proclamation WHEREAS, Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10 — the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).; and WHEREAS, The UDHR is a milestone document that proclaims the inalienable rights which everyone is entitled to as a human being; and WHEREAS, Article 2 of the UDHR states, “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”; and WHEREAS, The COVID-19 crisis has been fueled by deepening poverty, rising inequalities, structural and entrenched discrimination, and other gaps in human rights protection; and WHEREAS, Certain base elements of American society are working to strip away human rights by using fear and intimidation to deny access to the ballot box, women’s healthcare, and freedom of expression and to freedom from harm by irresponsible gun owners; and WHEREAS, Every American has a right to lead healthy lives, but there are many elected officials in Texas and across America who work to normalize unnecessary deaths by stating that grandparents owe our society a death and by doing all they can to make it easier for every human, regardless of age, to contract a deadly disease; and WHEREAS, The United States Declaration of Independence states that we are granted “with certain unalienable Rights, that amongst these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Austin City Council strongly encourages its residents to: Stand up to every person and organization who are working to take away the basic human 1. rights of freedom of expression, to being housed affordably, to wide access to voting, and to all forms of healthcare. 2. Pursue your happiness wherever you may find it and to share it with your community. Date of Approval: November 22, 2021 Record of the vote: 6-1; Commissioner Garry Brown motion, Chair Davis second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Weigel. Commissioner Brienzi voted against. Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Caballero, and Commissioner Museitif were absent. Attest: Jonathan Babiak Jonathan Babiak, Staff Liaison
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, October 25, 2021 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment City of Austin/Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Blvd. Assembly Room 1st Floor Austin, TX 78723 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 CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Citizens 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. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s September 27, 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2021 Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS 3. OLD BUSINESS (Brown, G./Weigel) a. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council for a World Human Rights Day Proclamation. (Brown/Museitif/Davis) a. Discussion and possible action on adding goals for July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. b. 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 Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3203 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3203 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/hrc.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, September 27, 2021 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1406 Austin TX 78752 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 CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Citizens 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. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s June 28, 2021 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES and August 23, 2021 Regular Meetings. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council regarding approval of annual meeting schedules. (Davis/Casas) b. Discussion and possible action to approve the 2022 meeting schedule. (Davis/Casas) 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council regarding funding a public information and outreach campaign regarding medically unnecessary treatments on individuals born with intersex traits or variations in sex characteristics. (Weigel/Davis/Brown, G.) b. Discussion and possible action on adding goals for July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. (Brown, G./Weigel) c. 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 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Amendments to City Code provisions related to Office of Civil Rights programs and activities by Carol Johnson, Director, City of Austin Office of Civil Rights. (Davis/Casas) 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 Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3203 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3203 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/hrc.
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20210927-002a: Meeting Schedules WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in numerous canceled board and commission meetings due to circumstances beyond the control of board members and City staff; and WHEREAS, boards that do not adopt an annual meeting schedule before the end of the year as the result of canceled meetings may not have meetings dates for the upcoming year; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission encourages the Austin City Council to direct the City Manager and the City Clerk to propose alternatives for setting meeting schedules and meeting locations, including hybrid meetings, on the chance that any board is unable to adopt an annual meting schedule before the end of the year because of canceled meetings and direct the City Manager to suspend use of City ordinances that require in-person meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. Date of Approval: September 27, 2021 Record of the vote: 6-0; Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Weigel second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Weigel. Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Caballero, and Commissioner Museitif were absent. Attest: Jonathan Babiak Jonathan Babiak, Staff Liaison
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20210927-003a: Intersex Rights and Healthcare WHEREAS, the City of Austin has officially recognized Intersex Awareness Day since 2019 to raise visibility for a marginalized and often forgotten group that comprises at least 2% of the population; and WHEREAS, Mayor Adler made a proclamation that year to do better by intersex Austinites alongside Council Members Casar, Ellis, Renteria, Harper-Madison and then-Council Member Flannigan; and WHEREAS, that proclamation included the following: “Whereas | The City of Austin recognizes that intersex persons face violence, discrimination, stigma, harassment, and persecution on account of their sex characteristics, which do not fit binary notions of typical male or female bodies; and, “Whereas | We bear witness to this violation of basic human rights, and will strive to do better as a city—celebrating the diversity of all Austin residents, including intersex individuals, moving forward”; and, WHEREAS, the New York State legislature passed a resolution in 2021 (Assembly Resolution No. 432) formally condemning non-consensual and medically unnecessary surgeries performed on intersex children as violate their reproductive rights, gender identity and expression and body autonomy; and WHEREAS, this resolution abides by the recommendations of the World Health Organization, the United Nations, the American Medical Association Board of Trustees’ 2016 report, three former US Surgeons General and manifold additional medical and human rights experts and multinational organizations; and WHEREAS, the State of Texas leadership has shown blatant disregard and/or ignorance for science and human rights in 2021, especially in the areas of reproductive rights, gender identity and expression and body autonomy; and WHEREAS, parents across the city and state want to provide the best future for their intersex children but often rely on incomplete, biased or intentionally misleading information on how to do so from whichever doctor they arbitrarily have access to following labor and delivery and soon after; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to providing the most current, accurate, factual and rigorously tested information to its residents pertaining to their public health and wellbeing; and WHEREAS, in 2021, the New York City Council resoundingly passed a bill mandating the city’s health department to develop educational materials about how so-called “normalizing” surgeries on children born with variations in their sex characteristics are medically unnecessary and risk lifelong harm; and WHEREAS, there are accredited and qualified organizations, doctors and advocates that could assist Austin Public Health in the creation of a …
