HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 07/08/2021HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Regular Meeting – In Person
July 8, 2021 5:30 – 7:30 pm
CIC Room, City Hall, 300 LaPorte Ave., Fort Collins, CO
CALL TO ORDER
● Meeting was called to order by Chair, Beth Jaeger, at 5:30pm
ROLL CALL
● Present: Jean Runyon Beth Jaeger Phil Walker
Vic Smith Wendy True
● Absent: Oscar Felix Julia Mackewich
● Staff Present: Carol Thomas, Equal Opportunity & Compliance Manager,
HRC Liaison
● Public Participant: None
AGENDA REVIEW
● No changes were made to the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
● Motion to approve June 2021 minutes by Phil Walker; second by Wendy True.
Approved 6-0.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
● None
BUDGET REVIEW
● None
NEW BUSINESS
● Understanding Religious Discrimination and Promoting Religious Tolerance-
Rabbi Hillel Katzir and Reverend David Williams
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o Rabbi Hillel Katzir explained that there are relatively few anti-semitic incidents in
Fort Collins, as is also the case for other forms of religious hate crimes.
o Comments concerning Anti-Semitism in America:
1. Not as much of Anti-Semitism in America as there is hate. However,
encouragement is found in the communities’ large pushback regarding
hateful behavior.
2. The State of Israel has been at times a source of Anti-Semitism.
Opposition to some of its policies should not be regarded as
Anti-Semitic, but often times, extreme positions opposing Israel becomes
Anti-Semitic.
● Type of individuals who come to protest hate crimes are usually the same
people. Goal is to have more people from diverse backgrounds come out to
protest
injustices.
● Overview of Community Initiative “Our Commitment to Self and Society”- Rabbi
Hillel Katzir and Reverend David Williams
o The initiative mainly addresses corporations and encourages more responses to
promote social justice and equitable opportunities.
o Currently in the early stages of the Initiative. Two ways to help:
1. Reach out to businesses in Fort Collins, and educate them on the
Initiative.
2. Come and tell others about the picnic at Spring Canyon Park on Sunday,
August 15.
o Future plans to send out ambassadors to the bigger corporations in Fort
Collins. o For more information, info@ourcommitment.net is available.
OLD BUSINESS
Follow- up from June Meeting:
A) DEI Officer Interviews
1. Claudia Menendez was chosen as new DEI Officer for the City of Fort
Collins. B) FoCo Speaks Out!
1. Motion to include an evaluation of including a FoCo Speaks Out! event in the
HRC’s 2022 work plan.
2. Jean recommended reviewing the “I am From Project” program and potential
integration with such an event.
Committee Reports:
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o Education Outreach – Update Re: TWP Training Sessions
o Artwork for the training session is getting worked on.
● Decision needs to be made on the artwork to publicize the event.
o October 7 and 21 are the set dates for both sessions.
o Media/Community Recognition Committee
o Oscar Felix is heading up the HR Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, December 7.
o Hybrid Event.
o Promoting the event is currently getting worked on.
o Oscar Felix is working on a plan for the whole event.
o Government Relations
o Second reading of Municipal Immigration Legal Defense Fund is to occur.
o Executive - Update RE: New Members and Election of new HRC Vice Chair
o HRC currently has 6 members. Julia Mackewich has resigned from the
HRC effective immediately.
o There are 1-2 new member applications. The HRC has requested that the
selection process be expedited.
o Beth Jaeger nominates Jean Runyon as New HRC Vice Chairperson. Seconded
by Phil Walker. Approved 6-0.
NEXT STEPS
● Meeting Action Steps - Beth will send out.
● August 12th Agenda Items- Mayor Arndt, Mayor Pro-Tem Gorgol,
Indigenious Peoples Day Resolution.
ADJOURNMENT
● Motion to adjourn by Phil; second by Wendy. Approved 6-0
● Meeting Ending: 7:30 pm.
This information is available in Spanish or other language at no cost to a person who would
like this information translated to or communicated in Spanish or other language. Please call
970-416-4254 or titlesix@fcgov.com to make a request for information in other languages.
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Esta información está disponible en español u otro idioma, sin costo para la persona que le
gustaría esta información traducida o comunicada en español u otro idioma. Favor llame al
416-4254 o a titlesix@fcgov.com para solicitar información en otros idiomas.
Auxiliary aids and services are available for persons with disabilities. TTY: please use 711 to
call 970-416-4254.
City Contact Person: Carol Thomas, Equal Opportunity & Compliance Manager
970.416.4254, cathomas@fcgov.com