Human Relations Commission

MINUTES Human Relations Committee Wednesday, October 24, 2023 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM City Hall 301B ACCGov Staff in Attendance: 1. Dr. Remy Epps – Inclusion Officer 2. Annesia Crew – Data & Policy Coordinator, Inclusion Office 3. Cameron McGlothen – Equity & Engagement Coordinator, Inclusion Office HRC Members in attendance: 1. Cameron Jay Harrelson (virtual) 2. Myung Cogan 3. Danielle Gillmer 4. Megan Westbrook 5. Sharon McDaniel-Miller 6. Tameka Curry 7. Brandon Baker 8. Darius Binion 9. Ed Moore Inclusion Office THE UNIFIED GOVERNMENT OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA P. O. Box 1868 ∙ Athens, Georgia 30603 (706) 613-3015 ∙ Email: inclusionoffice@accgov.com www.accgov.com  10. Tucker Duval 11. Simone Moonsammy 12. Alejandra Villegas Lopez Minutes  Meeting called to order at 6:01 P.M.  Committee accepted the August 2023 minutes Chairperson’s Update and Report  Chair updated the committee on the importance of member attendance and its relation to the scope of work and expectations of the group that is highlighted in the committee’s ordinance.  Chair shared news that moving forward; the HRC will be notified of any case of discrimination filed through the Non-discrimination Ordinance (NDO) and ACC Attorney's office.  The committee reviewed their work plan and outlined the end of year plan.  Dr. Epps shared updates from the Inclusion Office: o She shared her appreciation for the effort members have put into the work of the committee. o She expressed the importance of internal communication. o She stated that the quarterly report is being shared with the Mayor & Inclusion Office THE UNIFIED GOVERNMENT OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA P. O. Box 1868 ∙ Athens, Georgia 30603 (706) 613-3015 ∙ Email: inclusionoffice@accgov.com www.accgov.com  Commission. o She provided updates on the budget. o She invited the committee to attend the ACC Sheriff’s Department Fall Festival, and to participate in MLK Day of Service.  No public comment on old business. Old Business  Unlawful Discrimination subcommittee updated the group about the process of filing an NDO complaint. o The subcommittee stated that there is no way around getting the complaint notarized, and emphasized the notarized portion of the NDO is a potential barrier. o The subcommittee stated that they want the full body to vote on the creation of a Spanish version of the NDO. o The subcommittee discussed ways to potentially disseminate the visibility of the NDO, and potentially finding take a way to legally change some of the language in the NDO. o The subcommittee shared concerns about the time it that takes to process the complaint, and possibly increasing the time to make a complaint.  A motion was made to create a Spanish version and media push for the NDO, the motion carried. Inclusion Office THE UNIFIED GOVERNMENT OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA P. O. Box 1868 ∙ Athens, Georgia 30603 (706) 613-3015 ∙ Email: inclusionoffice@accgov.com www.accgov.com   Community Outreach subcommittee mentioned that they are putting together a listserv to establish communication with local organizations o The subcommittee shared potential community event opportunities for committee members to attend. o Dr. Epps shared that in order to create a shared file everyone needs to access their ACCGov emails. o The subcommittee mentioned the importance of tabling and being present at community events to detail what the HRC is doing. o The subcommittee shared the importance of creating an engagement plan for 2024.  Recommendation Policy subcommittee shared their concerns of the 90 day deadline of filing a NDO. o The subcommittee shared that they have started to do research on the national NDO processes and the reason for the time related restrictions. o The subcommittee mentioned that they are working on a formal policy recommendation plan to present to the full body. o The subcommittee shared that they felt informed after connecting with the attorney’s office and the community. o The subcommittee shared that they will begin to start a meta-analysis of Inclusion Office THE UNIFIED GOVERNMENT OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA P. O. Box 1868 ∙ Athens, Georgia 30603 (706) 613-3015 ∙ Email: inclusionoffice@accgov.com www.accgov.com  community needs assessments.  A motion for the next meeting was made for Nov. 15 and the motion carried.  A motion was made to table a date for the Dec. meeting until after Nov. meeting and the motion carried.  No public comment on new business. New Business  Community Outreach subcommittee shared nametag badges with the group.  The group shared concerns about the group being rolled off next year and the need for tags for people who will not be on the committee.  A motion was made to have name tags made, the motion carried.  Chair provided each subcommittee with tasks to move forward in the planning of a town hall or community education seminar. o Community Outreach to determine logistics (time, and location) o Recommendation Policy to determine topic (purpose of meeting) o Unlawful Discrimination to determine facilitation (host and format)  Meeting adjourned at 7:04 P.M. Inclusion Office THE UNIFIED GOVERNMENT OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA P. O. Box 1868 ∙ Athens, Georgia 30603 (706) 613-3015 ∙ Email: inclusionoffice@accgov.com www.accgov.com