DRAFT JIC Resolution 20240528-011 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals — original pdf

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COMMISSION RESOLTUION JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE Recommendation Number: 20240528-011: 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and justice for all residents, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and other marginalized identities (LGBTQI+); and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee advises the Austin City Council on matters of equity, representation, and inclusion1; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee promotes close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city2; and WHEREAS, the 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals brings together international experts, advocates, and professionals across law enforcement, corrections, judiciary, and other criminal justice sectors to promote human rights, best practices, and safety for LGBTQI+ individuals and communities; and WHEREAS, the Conference creates a global platform to share strategies for eliminating bias, improving community trust, and protecting the dignity of LGBTQI+ people within criminal justice systems; and WHEREAS, LGBTQI+ communities continue to experience disproportionate discrimination, violence, and criminalization, and efforts to promote inclusion, cultural competence, and accountability within criminal justice institutions are critical to public safety and community well-being; and 1 https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_CH2- 1CIBO_ART3PEJOCO_S2-1-204JOINCO 2 Ibid., Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, Austin, Texas, has a proud history of advancing progressive values and has declared itself a welcoming and inclusive city for all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin and its departments, including the Austin Police Department and other criminal justice stakeholders, can benefit from participation in international forums to learn and lead on LGBTQI+ equity issues. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion committee expresses its strong support for the 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals. The Committee urges relevant City departments and criminal justice entities in Austin to participate in and engage with the Conference, to strengthen equity practices and build global partnerships. The Committee encourages the City Council to recognize the significance of the Conference and to explore opportunities for Austin to host or collaborate in future events that center LGBTQI+ inclusion and justice. The Committee affirms its ongoing commitment to advocating for policies and programs that protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all LGBTQI+ individuals in Austin, especially in interactions with the criminal justice system. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) Page 2 of 2