20240228-005 Recommendation 'Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting...' — original pdf

Recommendation

JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) RECOMMENDATION 20240228-005 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Date: February 28th, 2024 Subject: Joint Endorsement of the Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission’s 20240116-005 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Motioned by: Commissioner Julie Glasser Seconded by: Commissioner Melissa Ortega RECOMMENDATION: In response to the ongoing Gaza Crisis and subsequent rise in hate-related incidents, the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that City Council directs City staff to execute a coordinated public awareness campaign combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab sentiment and for the Austin Police Department to develop a comprehensive coordinated response to victims of violence stemming from rhetoric of the Gaza Crisis. DESCRIPTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: WHEREAS, the City of Austin is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity, racial equity, and upholds the principles of equality and human rights; WHEREAS, the attack on October 7th by Hamas has led to the tragic loss of Israeli civilians and the subsequent indiscriminate retaliation by the State of Israel has led to the continued loss of civilian lives in Gaza; WHEREAS, rhetoric as a result of the global conflict has led to incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments rising within our city, posing a significant threat to the well-being and safety of our diverse communities; WHEREAS, it is our duty as the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin to address and combat discrimination, prejudice, and hate against Americans, immigrants, and refugees in all its forms in order to foster a community where every resident can live free from fear and discrimination; WHEREAS, that the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin firmly condemns all acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments within our city; 1 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin City Council is called upon to direct City staff in executing a coordinated public awareness campaign that combats acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by implementing programs and initiatives aimed at prevention, education, and awareness; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Austin Police Department coordinate with relevant community organizations and direct service agencies to develop a comprehensive coordinated response of enhanced and culturally appropriate victim’s services for those who experienced violence related to the rhetoric from the conflict; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to the Austin City Council for consideration and implementation. RATIONALE: This resolution reflects the unwavering commitment of the City of Austin and its Joint Inclusion Committee to create a community where the principles of equality, respect, and human rights are upheld for all its residents. While the conflicts in Gaza are outside of the City of Austin, the uptick in hate-related violence and narratives of dehumanization from it have wide reaching impacts that directly impact our community locally. Vote: 9-0 For: Commissioners Serita Fontanesi, Sonny Sin, Julie Glasser, Richard Bondi, Melissa Ortega, Eliza Gordon, Amanda Afifi, Morgan Davis, and Jennifer Powell. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Commissioner Melissa Taylor (off the dais). Attest: ___________________________ Alejandra Mireles Staff Liaison to the Joint Inclusion Committee, The Equity Office ---- 2