City of Eugene Human Rights Commission

City of Eugene Human Rights Commission Packet Contents for June 16, 2015 1. Agenda 2. Minutes from May 19, 2015 meeting 3. HRC Budget 4. PRIDE Support Request 5. Ending Veterans Homelessness Celebration of Success Support Request 6. 2014/15 Work Plan Progress Report 7. Hate and Bias Quarterly Report 8. Homelessness Work Group Discussion on Proposed Smoking Ban 9. National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs Annual Report 10. Objective Leads and Roles 11. Letter of support for Eugene Police grant application for Body-Worn Cameras 99 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 116, Eugene, OR 97401 541.682.5177 |ehroffice@ci.eugene.or.us | www.eugene-or.gov/hrc  City of Eugene Human Rights Commission The mission of the Human Rights Commission is to promote implementation of universal human rights values and principles in all City of Eugene programs and throughout the wider community. To carry out this mission the commission shall affirm, encourage and initiate programs and services within the City of Eugene and in the wider community designed to place priority upon protecting, respecting, and fulfilling the full range of universal human rights as enumerated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To support and promote human rights, the commission will: provide human rights education, be proactive in human rights efforts, address human rights violations, ensure active public participation, be transparent and open, and be publicly accountable for human rights progress. Human Rights Commissioners: Andrew Thomson Chair, Chris Nunes Vice Chair, Ken Neubeck, Jennifer Frenzer, Edward Goehring, Philip Carrasco, Mary Clayton, Arun Toke, Debra Merskin, Councilor Greg Evans, Richie Weinman Human Rights and Neighborhood Involvement Staff: Michael Kinnison, Jennifer Lleras Van Der Haeghen, Lindsey Foltz The Human Rights Commission typically meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Tuesday, June 16, 2015 5:30 – 7:30 PM Meeting Atrium Building, Sloat Room, 99 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene Contact: Michael Kinnison, 541-682-5009 michael.j.kinnison@ci.eugene.or.us ITEM __________________ ______ TIME 1. Agenda/Minutes Review and Approval (Chair) VOTE 5:30 - 5:35 (5 min) 2. Public Comment (Chair) 5:35 - 5:45 (10 min) 3. Support Request (Chair) 5:45 - 5:50 (5 min)  Pride Festival VOTE 4. Proposed Ban on Smoking 5:50 – 6:05 (15 min) (K. Neubeck) 5. 2014/15 Work Plan Progress (L. Foltz) 6:05 – 6:15 (10 min) 6. Proposal for discussion on race and what it means to be an ally 6:15 – 6:25 (10 min) (Juan Carlos Valle, LULAC) 7. Staff Update (M. Kinnison) 6:25 – 6:40 (15 min)  Acknowledgment of outgoing Commissioners 99 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 116, Eugene, OR 97401 541.682.5177 |ehroffice@ci.eugene.or.us | www.eugene-or.gov/hrc   HRC retreat and work planning  Identify subcommittee on work group process/agreements  Hate and Bias quarterly report  City Council ítems of interest  Governing for Racial Equity & Activists Mobilizing for Power conferences 8. Commission Liaison Updates 6:40 – 6:50 (10 min) 9. Work Group Lead Updates 6:50 – 7:00 (10 min) 10. Open Discussion 7:00 – 7:10 (10 min) 11. Closing/Announcements 7:10 -7:15 (5 min) Upcoming events, activities or meetings of interest: Activists Mobilizing for Power (AMP), July 17-19 Portland State Univ Eugene/Springfield Pride Festival, 12:00 – 7:00 pm, August 8, Alton Baker Park The Eugene Human Rights Commission welcomes your interest in these agenda items. This meeting location is wheelchair accessible. For the hearing impaired, FM-assistive listening devices are available or an interpreter can be provided with 48 hours’ notice prior to the meeting. Spanish-language interpretation will also be provided with 48 hours’ notice. To arrange for these services, contact staff at (541) 682-5177. La Comisión de Derechos Humanos agradece su interés por participar en los asuntos de esta agenda. El local de la reunión tiene acceso para personas en silla de ruedas. Para las personas con dificultades auditivas ofrecemos sistemas FM para ayudarlo a escuchar, o intérpretes de lenguaje de señas. También ofrecemos intérpretes de español. Si necesita cualquiera de estos servicios por favor solicítelos con 48 horas de anticipación, llamando al (541) 682-5177. 99 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 116, Eugene, OR 97401 541.682.5177 | ehrcenter@ci.eugene.or.us | www.eugene-or.gov/hrc  City of Eugene Human Rights Commission MINUTES Tuesday, May 19, 2015 5:30 – 7:30 PM Meeting Atrium Building, Sloat Room, 99 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene Present: Human Rights Commissioners: Andrew Thomson, Ken Neubeck, Jennifer Frenzer, Debra Merskin, Arun Toke, Philip Carrasco. Other: Staff: Michael Kinnison and Sarita Black. 1. Welcome from Chair, Agenda/Minutes Review P. Carasco requested to move the topic of a Youth Human Rights Commission up in the agenda since he had to leave early. A. Thomson moved to approve the agenda with the change, seconded by D. Merskin and approved unanimously. M. Kinnison noted the April minutes failed to reflect Councilor Evans was present. Revised minutes moved by A. Thomson, seconded by K. Neubeck and approved unanimously. 2. Public Comment Majeska Seese Green explained that she had suggested to the Homelessness Work Group to shift the conversation with Council away from “criminalization” and to “barriers.” She indicated she has since reconsidered that position as they are very different issues. Peter Strawbridge discussed his experience being refused service at a barber shop he had frequented in the past that he felt was based on a previous conversation with the barber. He felt that this may have violated his right to free speech. 3. Establishing a Youth Human Rights Commission Philip Carrasco presented a proposal for a Youth Human Rights Commission and explained his interest is in engaging youth about what they think a Human Rights City looks like. He proposed that the commission would start out as an informal body mentored by the HRC but with long term goal of establishing a codified youth commission. Discussion focused on what concerns this might raise among City Council, who would be able to participate (what ages, youth throughout county, only Eugene are youth, etc.) and resources needed to support and sustain a youth commission (funding, staffing, HRC as mentors). P. Carrasco moved to form a subcommittee to establish the community need and finalize organizational/proposal 99 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 116, Eugene, OR 97401 541.682.5177 |ehroffice@ci.eugene.or.us | www.eugene-or.gov/hrc  details that address the commissioners questions and concerns. Motion was seconded by C Nunes and approved unanimously. A Thomson moved to shift non-voting items until later in agenda out of concern of losing quorum. Approved unanimously. 4. Communication with City Council on homelessness issues K Neubeck discussed the concept of a retreat with Council to discuss homelessness and/or other issues. Suggested further discussion be put off until the June meeting when Councilor Evans would be present. He also discussed how language can be loaded and it may be more effective to refer to “barriers” instead of criminalization. He mentioned the June 8th Council work session on homelessness and the importance of Commissioners communicating what they would like to see discussed. 5. Request to represent Commission at events A. Toke moved and D. Merskin seconded a motion to allow K. Neubeck to represent the Commission at a Human Rights City event in Pittsburgh and the national Forum on Human Right to Housing in Washington D.C.. Motion was approved unanimously. 6. C. Nunes and M. Kinnison discussed their experience at the Human Rights Institute. 7. Staff Update M. Kinnison reported that the Commission has a balance of $574 in its budget. He reported that Jennifer Lleras Van Der Haeghen was hired to fill the Equity and Human Rights Analyst position and that she will be starting on June 15th. Jennifer most recently worked as the R.A.C.E. Project Director for Western States Center. M. Kinnison reviewed the first quarter summary of hate and bias incidents and noted the following City Council items of interest: • May 20 work session on Healthy Downtown/Public Smoking • June 8 work session on Homelessness • June 8 Action on Boards and Commission Appointments • June 22 Public Hearing and Action on FY16 Budget • June 24 work session on Police Auditor Annual Performance Evaluation • July 8 work session Annual Report from Police Auditor and Civilian Review Board M. Kinnison discussed HRC work planning and reviewed last year’s process. Similar to last year, it was agreed to schedule two evening sessions in July and to forgo a meeting in August. M. Kinnison indicated that the HRC workplan and FY15 progress report are scheduled for the September 14th City Council agenda. A. Thomson and C. Nunes to send out a request for Commissioners to participate with staff on planning the agenda for the July work planning. Commissioners supported dedicating a portion of the work planning to a session on “Human Rights 101” that would include an overview of the human rights framework and associated declarations and conventions as they relate to local government implementation of human rights work. M. Kinnison closed with an update on collaboration between staff from Human Rights and Neighborhood Involvement and Parks and Open Spaces and the UO Center for Latino/a and Latin 99 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 116, Eugene, OR 97401 541.682.5177 | ehrcenter@ci.eugene.or.us | www.eugene-or.gov/hrc  American Studies around outreach to the Latino community as part of the Parks and Recreation System Plan process. 8. Work Group Lead Updates K Neubeck reported he traveled to Salem with a group to advocate for the Right to Rest Act (homeless bill of rights) and that the legislation was pulled from committee for this year. He also discussed a housing first pilot project for Eugene and Albany initiated by Val Hoyle that was also pulled due to Albany Council’s unwillingness to participate. He reported that the Police Commission voted against a joint endorsement of proposed revisions to the Intimidate 2 section of the Code. Police Commissioners raised concerns about establishing homeless persons as a protected class and that endorsement of legislation was outside the scope of their mission. They did vote to support amending the code to clarify that gender identity is included under sexual orientation as a protected class. A Thomson discussed presentation of the Hate and Bias Report to the Neighborhood Leaders Council. C. Nunes explained that Juan Carlos Valle has asked the Commission to hold a discussion on what is racism and what it means to be an ally. Chris indicated that Mr. Valle has been invited to come to the June meeting to discuss his proposal. 9. Open Discussion A number of potential agenda items were identified: Continue conversation about communication with Council; next steps for Intimidation 2 revisions; Juan Carlos Valle proposal; subcommittee report on Youth Commission Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm 99 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 116, Eugene, OR 97401 541.682.5177 | ehrcenter@ci.eugene.or.us | www.eugene-or.gov/hrc Human Rights Commission Budget FY15 ALLOCATION DATE REQUESTING GROUP SPONSORSHIP OTHER TOTAL TOTAL BALANCE $4,000.00 7/1/14 CHARGES SPENT TD $4,000.00 Description: $0.00 $0.00 $4,000.00 Transgender Day of Rememberance - Nov 20 10/16/14 CALC $200.00 $200.00 $200.00 New Generations Film Festival - May 23 11/18/15 New Generations (Yeh) $200.00 $200.00 $200.00 International Human Rights Day Event 12/10/14 HRC $0.00 $579.93 $579.93 $979.93 Martin Luther King Jr Awards 1/19/15 $0.00 $123.43 $123.43 $1,103.36 Vagina Monologues 2/4/15 ASUO $175.00 $175.00 Blacks in Government (BIG) dinner 2/1/15 BIG $150.00 $150.00 NAACP Dinner 2/10/15 NAACP $562.50 $562.50 Flyer 3/31/15 HRC $35.00 DisOrient Film Festival 3/31/15 Chinese American Benevolent $200.00 Human Rights Institute 4/13/15 Chris Nunes $500.00 Human Rights Crisis of Youth Homelessness Event 4/13/15 HRC $400.00 Festival Latino Block Party Sponsorship 4/27/15 LULAC $200.00 The Archaeology Channel International Film Fest 4/27/15 TAC $100.00 TOTALS $1,475.00 $1,950.86 $3,425.86 $3,425.86 $574.14 011-0730-####-612022 Objective 1: Maintain effective relationships; advise and advocate on human rights issues with City Council, other City advisory bodies, staff, community organizations and institutions. Objective Leads: Andrew Thomson, Chris Nunes Support: Edward Goehring, Jennifer Frenzer, Phil Carrasco, Arun Toke Action 1.1 Advise City Council on human rights issues, advocate for a human rights perspective Task 1: ☐ Deliver report of previous year’s work and present new work plan to Council Task 2: ☐ Provide testimony, as needed, to City Council on emerging Human Rights issues (Homelessness) Task 3: ☐ Quarterly meetings between the HRC Chairs and the Mayor Action 1.2 Advise City Staff on human rights issues within the City organization, collaborate and educate on human rights perspective Task 1: ☐ Quarterly meetings between the HRC Chairs and the City Manager Task 2: ☐ Advocate for diverse applicant pool within the HRC, boards and commissions, and other City departments (Asian Celebration Recruiting) Task 3: ☐ Review hiring data and host presentation for Human Resources director on city hiring practices Task 4: ☐ Participate in or seek opportunities to provide a human rights perspective on planning and/or policy development initiatives (Envision Eugene TBL) Action 1.3 Collaborate with, advise, and educate other City Advisory Bodies on human rights issues Task 1: ☐ Bring the Human Rights perspective to deliberation and action of other advisory bodies (Collaboration with Police Commission on Intimidation code revision) Task 2: ☐ Assign and maintain liaisons Task 3: ☐ Invite annual presentation from Police Auditor/CRB Action 1.4 Support the work of other community organizations and institutions that further the mission of the HRC Task 1: ☐ Respond to funding requests and co‐sponsorships Task 2: ☐ Respond to requests for endorsements (non‐funding support: tabling joint statements, etc.) Task 3: ☐ Continue liaison building with Latino and immigrant organizations: Integration Network and others Task 4: ☐ Attend at least one Neighborhood Leaders Council meeting to provide an update on HRC workplan and discuss opportunities for collaboration. Task 5: ☐ Identify and implement one opportunity for collaboration on a human rights issue with neighborhood associations. (Hate and Bias report, NLC) Task 6: ☐ Raise awareness of HRC within community (ie. MLK March, IHRD) Task 7: ☐ Determine partners and annual theme for International Human Rights Day, delegate planning Objective 2: Respond to and address hate and bias activity, including systemic and individual racism. Leads: Mary Clayton, Debra Merskin Support: Andrew Thomson, Phil Carrasco Action 2.1 Increase HRC and Council awareness of hate and bias activity; coordinate responses in collaboration with community. Task 1: ☐ Receive quarterly reports from EPD and Human Rights & Neighborhood Involvement staff Task 2: ☐ Provide feedback to Council on trends and areas of concern including all institutions and organizations that fall within the City of Eugene Task 3: ☐ Develop specific roles for HRC response and plan of action to execute when incidents occur Task 4: ☐ Conduct outreach and establish relationships with vulnerable populations (RAP/Hate and Bias Community partner meeting) Action 2.2 Review local data sources to identify indicators of systemic racism Task 1: ☐ Review the Equity and Opportunity Assessment Task 2: ☐ Identify opportunities to provide input utilizing the Equity and Opportunity Assessment when advising Action 2.3 Develop policy for engagement between the HRC and Police Auditor Task 1: ☐ Meet with the auditor to learn more about the auditor process and share the human rights perspective (staff report on meeting, results transmitted to the HRC, suggestions for the future CRB liaison to meet with the auditor periodically) Task 2: ☐ Communicate to interested community members the auditor's function as it relates to human rights Task 3: ☐ Work with Human Rights & Neighborhood Involvement staff to ensure there is a feedback loop between the community and the auditor’s office Task 4: ☐ Continue to provide HRC liaison to the Civilian Review Board Action 2.4 Propose International Human Rights Day theme on Racism and Discrimination Task 1: ☐ Seek full HRC approval for the theme during the August meeting Task 2: ☐ Plan and execute the event in early December 2015 Objective 3: Respond to and advocate on community issues of poverty and homelessness. Leads: Richie Weinman, Jennifer Frenzer, Ken Neubeck Action 3.1 Monitor, advise and advocate on ways to respond to poverty and homelessness Task 1: Advise Council on pressing issues and support/advocate for City efforts to implement Housing First Model Task 2: Monitor activities of the Lane County Poverty and Homelessness Board and the Human Services Commission (Presentation to PHB on Criminalization) Action 3.2 Address civil and human rights of people who are homeless Task 1: Request collaboration with EPD to compile data on crimes committed against people who are homeless, including bias crimes, and share data with HRC (Included in Hate and Bias Report) Task 2: Continue work on protected class designation for homeless under Criminal Code Intimidation 2 and the Human Rights Ordinance Task 3: Move forward on local homeless bill of rights community education, outreach, and build alliances with CALC and other community groups Task 4: Identify local laws and policies that criminalize homelessness and/or create barriers to survival and ally-build for change Action 3.3 Assess progress and obstacles in responding to homelessness and crafting shelter solutions Task 1: Complete assessment and track Opportunity Eugene task force on homelessness recommendations Task 2: Examine obstacles to increased shelter solutions Task 3: Assess currently available emergency and transitional housing to identify gaps in meeting human rights needs Action 3.4 Expanding effectiveness of shelter programs Task 1: Advocate for expansion of car camping and other effective shelter programs Task 2: Research and identify composition of unhoused population, with focus on unmet needs of unhoused children and youth 2015 April - May Human Rights Commission Hate and Bias Report To date a total of 7 crimes and incidents were reported involving the following protected classes: 5 Race 1 Religion 1 Ethnicity Brief description of activity including quotes from police reports: • African American convenience store customer followed by store employees who were also overheard referring to customer as a “nigger” • Man tried to pick a fight with an African American man while using derogatory language • Several young people, including two African Americans, involved in fights where race appeared to be a motivating factor • Graffiti, including swastikas, found on fence in neighborhood • Juvenile assaulted and subjected to anti-Latino slurs Objective Leads Leads assume the following roles to help the HRC accomplish its work plan: • Administration • Coordinating participation with community • Moving the work forward and tracking progress • Reporting back to the full HRC • Meeting requirements Administration: Leads are responsible for coordinating with staff to ensure that meetings are compliant with public meetings and records law. This includes ensuring that the meetings are properly noticed on the Public Meetings Calendar, ensuring that minutes are taken and submitted to staff, and making sure that all meetings are accessible. • Notice of a meeting must be submitted to staff with a draft agenda by no later than the Wednesday before the meeting at 10 am. If an emergency meeting is requested with less notice available contact staff as soon as possible. • Minutes must be taken at the meeting and should be submitted to staff via email within one week of meeting time • All meetings must be held in an accessible location, please contact staff if you have any doubts or concerns. Coordinating participation with community: Leads are responsible for inviting stakeholders from the community who would further the work of the group to the meetings and working with staff and the whole HRC to identify groups and individuals who may be interested in participating. Moving the work forward and tracking progress Leads will proactively strategize to accomplish the tasks in the work plan including: • Forecasting and scheduling work including meetings and events • Working with group members to identify opportunities for collaboration • Requesting staff support when necessary for research, contacts, etc. • Documenting progress and ensuring that work on the tasks is moving forward Reporting back to the full HRC Leads commit to recording and reporting progress back to the full HRC at least quarterly. Reports back to the full HRC should include the following details: • When the group met  • Which stakeholders have been involved in the work • Upcoming events relevant to the tasks • Specific work completed on the tasks • Any requests for help, input, etc. from the full HRC • Any requests for endorsement of work or communications from the whole HRC Meeting Requirements • The leads for each Objective need to meet at least once before the HRC meeting in September to forecast their tentative schedule for the year, formulate a list of stakeholders they are considering for partnership, and any relevant deadlines they will encounter • The groups must convene at least four times before the end of the work plan  HRC HOMELESSNESS WORK GROUP SUMMARY OF 6/9/2015 DISCUSSION OF SMOKING BAN ` The discussion began with the question of whether the proposed smoking ban in the parks and downtown was a human rights issue. One of the eight people present said it was a serious public health issue, but not a human rights issue that should be brought to the HRC. Most thought it was both a public health and a human rights issue. The gist of the minority argument is presented here: “I acknowledge that some people who are homeless may struggle with this proposed rule. However, it’s only a very small percentage of unhoused people that are found downtown. In fact, I have my doubts that many downtown people who people assume are unhoused downtown are actually unhoused. I do not accept the premise that this proposal is targeted to homeless people as I think you imply. I’d want to see evidence before I make that assumption. On the other hand, there is both a public health and a public comfort issue involved. Many people, including me, really don’t like being around second hand smoke and find it distasteful or worse. I avoid smoky places. Some people who have asthma or other breathing issues are physically harmed by smoke. They have human rights to clean air. Few argue that smoke is good for you or that it enhances the environment of the location where smoking is taking place. To me the human rights issue is arguable but not clear. However, the public health and comfort issue is clear.” A number of points were made regarding the proposed smoking ban as a human rights issue. 1. The ban would have a disproportionate or disparate impact on people who are homeless. Those who are housed can ordinarily smoke at their homes or those of others and in their vehicles, as well as in designated outdoor smoking areas of bars and restaurants. People who are homeless do not have houses or apartments in which to smoke, lack vehicles, and cannot afford to patronize bars and restaurants. Lacking any safe and legal place to “be” they often seek safety and companionship by being together downtown and they rest and sleep in the parks—the two areas targetted by the smoking ban. 2. The proposed ban offers additional opportunities for the criminalization of homelessness. If people who are homeless are cited for smoking, this will be one more addition to their police records and one more fine that they are likely to be unable to pay. Failure to respond to citations can lead to additional fines and arrests. This then adds further to their police records, making it even more difficult for those who are unhoused to be accepted by landlords or  employers. 3. Some argue that the “development” or “revitalization” of Eugene’s downtown is riding on “gentrification” of that area such that it thrives on primarily serving people who are economically privileged (read housed). In order to get affluent Eugene residents to come downtown, as well as visitors, tourists, and sports fans who come to Eugene for events, gentrification requires that the presence of people who are homeless on the streets and in the parks be sharply reduced if not eliminated altogether. The proposed smoking ban, and the citations that would accompany its violation, is but one tool the City can use to discourage their presence and visibility. 4. One factor that keeps many people who are homeless smokers is addiction. Nicotine is an addictive drug and many of the people who are homeless and who are heavy smokers suffer nicotine addiction, including many dealing with mental illness. Withdrawal while living on the street is extraordinarily difficult, even for those who are not mentally ill. Smoking often helps stave off hunger, temporarily reduces anxieties, and helps keep up the energy people require to keep moving lest they be cited for behaviors like resting or sleeping in public space. 5. Another factor that keeps people smoking and addiction maintained are the social functions played by cigarettes. They can be shared or passed around by people socializig together, are often used as currency or as something to barter by those who are homeless, and responding positively to another’s request for a smoke is part of street culture and is a shared norm of behavior among people who are unhoused. 6. To the degree to which smoking is a public health issue, it is unlikely to be reduced among people who are homeless by punitive measures such as citations and fines. Given the conditions in which they struggle to survive, addictions and mental health issues, and the norms of street culture, addressing their smoking is the least of the many concerns of those who live on the streets. It is likely that they will continue to smoke, be unable to pay for citations, and  remain in downtown and the parks simply because there is no place for them to go. Nicotine addiction among people who are homeless, including those who are mentally ill, is best treated the same way other drug addictions and mental illnesses are best treated: through providing permanent housing first and then working on health issues. 7. Human rights that the proposed smoking ban could affect include the human right to equal treatment under the law, to be free from discrimination, to adequate housing, and to health care. June 9, 2015 | For Immediate Release Media Contact: Sue Yacka (732)309-2964; syacka@avp.org | Regional Media Contacts Below National Report on Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Communities Released Today 11% increase in anti-LGBTQ homicides in 2014 To download the full report please visit NCAVP online ● Reports of non-lethal anti-LGBTQ violence declined, while homicides increased; NCAVP recommends increased public awareness and increased outreach ● Transgender women, people of color, and gay men face the highest risk of homicide ● Transgender people, low income people, people of color, LGBTQ and HIV-affected youth and young adults, and gay men face the most severe violence ● More than 50% of survivors reported hate violence to the police, yet the police classified a small percentage of reports as bias crimes; those who reported violence were met with police hostility and excessive force NATIONAL—Today the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) released its annual report documenting the level of hate violence experienced by LGBTQ and HIV-affected persons in the United States in 2014. The report, Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV- Affected Communities in the United States in 2014, is the most comprehensive report on this violence in the United States. It draws on data collected from 16 anti-violence programs in 14 states across the country. States reporting were: Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia. General Findings NCAVP’s 2014 hate violence report documents 1,359 incidents of anti-LGBTQ violence in 2014, a significant 32% decrease from the 2,001 total incidents reported in 2013. NCAVP attributes this decline to a sharp decline in reports of violence to the two major reporting NCAVP members, the New York City Anti-Violence Project and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. In New York City, a lack of high profile incidents – and, therefore, decreased public awareness about violence and reporting - may have contributed to the decline, in contrast to 2013, where there was a spike in hate violence incidents, reporting, and outreach. For the LA LGBT Center a decline in outreach staffing in 2014 contributed to this decrease in reports of incidents of violence. “This decrease should not be an indication that anti-LGBTQ hate violence is declining,” said Chai Jindasurat, Co-Director of Community Organizing and Public Advocacy at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. “In fact it should be call to action for policymakers, funders, and service providers to increase funding, legislation, public awareness and outreach that encourages reporting of hate violence incidents and promotes safety for LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities.” While overall reports were down in 2014, reports of severe and deadly violence remain high. The number of homicides increased 11% in 2014 and the severity of violence experienced by LGBTQ and HIV- affected communities remained relatively consistent with last year. Additionally, the 2014 report continues to document multi-year trends revealing that anti-LGBTQ and HIV-affected hate violence disproportionately impacts transgender women, LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities of color, LGBTQ and HIV-affected youth and young adults, transgender people, transgender people of color, and gay men. Consistent with previous years, gay men represented the largest group of hate violence survivors and victims in 2014, and for the first time there is data showing disproportionate impact on low-income LGBTQ people, showing that hate violence remains a pervasive and persistent issue for all LGBTQ and HIV- affected people. Anti-LGBTQ Homicides in 2014 2014 was a deadly year for LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities with 20 homicides documented, an 11% increase from 18 homicides in 2013, and among the highest number of homicides in a year since NCAVP started tracking this information. Additionally, for a fifth year in a row, NCAVP’s findings reflect a disproportionate impact of deadly violence for people of color, transgender women, transgender people of color, and gay men: ● 80% of all homicide victims in 2014 were people of color, yet LGBTQ and HIV-affected people of color only represented 41% of total survivors and victims. The majority of homicide victims (60%) were Black and African American, 15% of homicide victims were Latin@, and 15% of homicide victims were White. ● Over half (55%) of homicide victims were transgender women, and half (50%) of homicide victims were transgender women of color, yet transgender survivors and victims only represent 19% of total reports to NCAVP. ● 35% of homicide victims were gay or bisexual men. “In 2014 in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas alone, we lost three transgender women to deadly hate violence,” said Christopher Argyros from LA LGBT Center. “Aniya Parker, Zoraida Reyes, and Deshawnda Sanchez are representative of the fatal violence that transgender women of color continue to experience in our country and around the world. Their lives deserve national action to end hate violence.” Most Impacted Communities: Severity of Violence The 2014 report found, transgender women, transgender people, people of color, and gay men were at risk for the most severe violence. “This year’s report again shows that people at risk for the most severe hate violence are at the intersection of multiple forms of oppression and discrimination including homophobia, transphobia, racism and socioeconomic discrimination,” said Essex Lordes from Community United Against Violence. “Anti-LGBTQ hate violence can no longer be viewed in isolation from other forms of violence that our community members are experiencing based on their identities.” The report found: ● LGBTQ and HIV-affected people of color survivors were 2.2 times more likely to experience physical violence, 1.4 times more likely to be injured, and 1.7 times more likely to require medical attention, when compared with other survivors ● LGBTQ and HIV-affected Black survivors were 2 times more likely to experience physical violence, when compared with other survivors ● LGBTQ and HIV-affected Latin@ survivors were 1.8 times more likely to experience physical violence and 1.5 times more likely to be injured as a result of hate violence, when compared with other survivors ● Transgender women survivors were 1.6 times more likely to experience physical violence and 1.6 times more likely to experience sexual violence, when compared with other survivors ● Transgender people of color survivors were 1.6 times more likely to experience any physical violence and 1.9 times more likely to require medical attention, when compared with other survivors ● Gay men survivors were 1.8 times more likely to experience injury and 1.5 times more likely to require medical attention, when compared with other survivors ● LGBTQ and HIV-affected low income survivors were 2.1 times more likely to experience hate violence at the workplace, when compared with other survivors ● LGBTQ young people were 2.5 times more likely to be injured due to hate violence, and 2.1 times more likely to require medical attention, when compared to other survivors ● Bisexual survivors were 1.3 times more likely to experience threats and intimidation when compared to other survivors. LGBTQ Survivors and Police Interaction In 2014, 54% of survivors reported their incidents to the police, a significant increase from 45% in 2013. Of those reporting, 27% of survivors reported experiencing hostile attitudes from the police, a decrease from 32% in 2013. However, as discussed below, only 6% of incidents were classified as bias crimes. Of the survivors who interacted with the police and experienced hostility and police misconduct, 57% reported being unjustly arrested by the police. Excessive force accounted for 33% of police misconduct, which is a significant increase from 2013 (28%). “Reports to police increased in 2014, but that is not surprising in a year where homicides and severity of violence are high, situations in which police are intervening or being called to intervene,” said Lynne Sprague from Survivors Organizing for Liberation (formerly the Colorado Anti-Violence Program). “With this report, we are calling for an end to the profiling, police violence, and misconduct that happens when LGBTQ and HIV-affected survivors do report.” The report found: ● LGBTQ and HIV-affected people of color survivors were 2.4 times more likely to experience police violence when compared with other survivors ● LGBTQ and HIV-affected Black survivors were 1.8 times more likely to experience police violence when compared with other survivors ● LGBTQ and HIV-affected Latin@ survivors were 1.7 times more likely to experience police violence when compared with other survivors ● Transgender survivors were 6.1 times more likely to experience physical violence from police when compared with other survivors ● Transgender people of color were 6.2 times more likely to experience police violence when compared with other survivors ● Transgender women survivors were 6.1 times more likely to experience physical violence from police when compared with other survivors ● LGBTQ and HIV-affected young adults (ages 19-29) were 2.2 times more likely to experience police violence when compared with other survivors. LGBTQ Survivors and Police Reporting and Classification In 2014, only 6% of hate violence incidents reported to the police were classified as bias crimes, a substantial decrease from 2013 (24%). The report also shows that police were less likely to classify hate violence as bias motivated for community members disproportionately impacted by this violence. “This year we are seeing a disturbing drop in hate violence classification by the police,” said Justin Shaw from the Kansas City Anti-Violence Project. “Police seem to be taking some of our most impacted communities less seriously and are less likely to classify their experiences as hate violence, especially “LGBQ and HIV-affected people of color, and transgender people of color.” The report found: ● Police were .71 times less likely to classify incidents as hate violence for LGBTQ and HIV-affected people of color survivors ● Transgender people of color survivors were .59 times less likely to receive bias classification by police. Additionally the report shows a reluctance to report to the police by the same individuals who are most impacted by severe and deadly violence. For example, the report found that overall, transgender survivors were .67 times less likely to report to police. Recommendations NCAVP’s report findings are a wakeup call; even in the midst of legal protections and progress on state and national levels, LGBTQ and HIV-affected people are facing extremely high levels of severe and deadly violence. “This year’s report makes it clear that more must be done to stop anti-LGBTQ and HIV- affected hate violence, and NCAVP’s policy recommendations point to clear solutions,” said Osman Ahmed, NCAVP Research and Education Coordinator at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. “We call on policymakers, funders, advocates, and community members to be a part of the solutions that NCAVP recommends in the 2014 report.” The report recommendations, expanded upon within the report, include: ● End the homophobic, transphobic, and biphobic culture that fuels violence ● End root causes and social determinants of anti-LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence through ending poverty and anti-LGBTQ and HIV-affected discrimination ● Increase access for LGBTQ and HIV-affected anti-violence support and prevention ● End police profiling and police violence against LGBTQ and HIV-affected people ● Enact comprehensive, humane, and LGBTQ-inclusive immigration reform ● Collect data and expand research on LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities overall, particularly data and research on LGBTQ and HIV-affected people’s experiences of violence. NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of 47 local member programs and affiliate organizations in 24 states, Canada, and Washington DC, who create systemic and social change. We strive to increase power, safety, and resources through data analysis, policy advocacy, education, and technical assistance. NCAVP is coordinated by the New York City Anti-Violence Project ARIZONA Wingspan Anti-Violence Programs (Tucson, AZ) Contact: Patrick Farr, 520-624-1779 x119 pfarr@wingspan.org CALIFORNIA Community United Against Violence (San Francisco, CA) Contact: Essex Lordes, (415) 777-5500 essex@cuav.org L.A. LGBT Center (Los Angeles, CA) Contact: Christopher Argyros, (323) 860-3717 cargyros@lalgbtcenter.org COLORADO Survivors Organizing for Liberation (formerly Colorado Anti-Violence Program) (Denver, CO) Contact: Lynne Sprague, (303) 839-5204 lynne@coavp.org ILLINOIS Center on Halsted Anti-Violence Project (Chicago, IL) Contact: Julie Walther, (773) 472-6469 x178 jwalther@centeronhalsted.org OHIO Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (Columbus, OH) Contact: Aaron Eckhardt, (614) 294-7867 aaron@bravo-ohio.org MASSACHUSETTS Fenway Community Health Violence Recovery Program (Boston, MA) Contact: Cara Presley-Kimball, (617) 927-6266 CPresley-Kimball@fenwayhealth.org MICHIGAN Equality Michigan (Detroit, MI) Contact: Yvonne Siferd, (313) 537-7000 x112 yvonne@equalitymi.org MINNESOTA OutFront Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN) Contact: Eva Wood, (612) 822-0127 x7656 ewood@outfront.org MISSOURI Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (Kansas City, MO) Contact: Justin Shaw, (816) 561-2755 x200 justin@kcavp.org NEW YORK New York City Anti-Violence Project (New York, NY) Contact: Sue Yacka, (212) 714-1184 syacka@avp.org Western New York Anti-Violence Project (Buffalo, NY) Contact: Ellen Brauza, (716) 837-1025 wnyavp@gmail.com TEXAS Montrose Counseling Center (Houston, TX) Contact: Sally Huffer, (713) 529-0037 x324 shuffer@montrosecenter.org Trans Pride Initiative (Dallas, TX) Contact: Nell Geither, (214) 449-1439 nell@tpride.org VERMONT SafeSpace Program at the Pride Center of Vermont (Burlington, VT) Contact: Kim Fountain, (802) 860-7812 kim@pridecentervt.org VIRGINIA Virginia Anti-Violence Project (Richmond, VA) Contact: Stacie Vecchietti, (804) 925-9242 director@virginiaavp.org ###  April 25, 2015 Grant Review Staff U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance Re: BJA-2015-4168 SUBJECT: Letter of Commitment of Body-Worn Camera Pilot Implementation This letter expresses the City of Eugene Human Rights Commission's commitment to collaborate with the Eugene Police Department (EPD) implementation of the FY 2015 Body-Worn Camera grant, if awarded. The Human Rights Commission (HRC) is an advisory body to Eugene City Council. It provides input and advocacy on the social equity leg of the triple bottom line decision-making process and advocates for a concern for human rights in City decisions and policies. In doing so, the HRC regularly works directly with the public, with a variety of community support and advocacy organizations, as well as collaborating with city government, staff, and service departments, including EPD. EPD is the largest police agency in Lane County Oregon, serving a population of 160,000 persons with widely varied backgrounds. EPD officers and staff work closely with courts, prosecutors, and defense counsel, as well as other social service agencies including mental health and special needs support groups to provide public safety services in Eugene. EPD is an integral member of local criminal justice efforts and a key partner in serving the same community as the HRC. The HRC supports EPD's body-worn camera grant proposal, because video evidence from body-worn cameras can help protect the human rights of the public and police officers alike. Studies have shown that police officers are less likely to use force when video evidence of the encounter is being collected. This protects both officers and the public from physical harm that may result from a forceful encounter. In contacts in which force is used, evidence collected from body-worn cameras helps provide transparency and accountability. This not only protects the public against a manner of potential human rights infractions, but also protects police officers from unfounded complaints. If EPD is awarded this grant, the HRC will collaborate with them on development of their policies and identifying resource needs to ensure the policies and implemented program meet the grant requirements now and in the future. Additionally, we have a vested interest in helping EPD ensure that their policies and practices address privacy concerns commonly expressed by human rights and civil liberties organizations. Our goal is to help design and implement a program that continues to be a key part of a comprehensive problem solving approach to enhance officer interactions with the public and build community trust. Thank you, Andrew Thomson Chair, Human Rights Commission