Human Rights Commission Meeting

CITY OF NORMAN, OK HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING Municipal Building, Executive Conference Room 201 West Gray, Norman, OK 73069 Monday, August 26, 2024 at 5:30 PM MINUTES The Human Rights Commission of the City of Norman, Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma, met in Regular Session in the Executive Conference Room at the Norman Municipal Building, on the 26th day of August, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., and notice of the agenda of the meeting were posted at the Norman Municipal Building at 201 West Gray, the Development Center at 225 N. Webster and on the City website at least 24 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. PRESENT Commission Chair Aisha Ali Commissioner Jackie Farley Commissioner Chris Nanny Commissioner Michael Ridgeway ABSENT (none) STAFF PRESENT Grace Holloman, Interim Culture & Social Responsibility Strategist Sarah Encinias, Legal Admin Tech ROLL CALL A quorum was present. Chair Ali called the meeting to order. MINUTES 1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE JULY 22, 2024, REGULAR MEETING Motion was made by Commissioner Farley to approve the Minutes for the July 22, 2024, regular meeting and the motion was duly seconded by Commission Ridgeway. A vote was taken with the following results: all approved and none opposed. The Minutes were approved by unanimous vote. ACTION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING HRC VACANCIES Chair Ali said she spoke to a councilmember who said HRC vacancies would be discussed during the Council retreat. It was also communicated that the Mayor was frustrated that the HRC was mainly only issuing proclamations. Chair Ali will send the new recognition format to Ms. Holloman to send to the Mayor so he can see what the HRC has planned. Chair Ali also suggested that a mission statement be put on the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING - Monday, August 26, 2024 Page |1  City’s HRC webpage along with a monthly/yearly theme calendar. She also spoke with Officer Robertson and found out that he is no longer able to attend HRC meetings or serve as LGBTQ Liaison. He is referenced on the HRC page and it needs to be updated and his name removed. Chair Ali would still like for an officer to attend meetings but is unsure any officers will be available to attend. Chair Ali also wondered if changing the time of the meetings would help with getting more applicants to be able to attend. 3. DISCUSSION REGARDING MLK BREAKFAST Chair Ali narrowed down her search for a site and received agreement for this decision with other Commissioners. She and Ms. Holloman will tour the site to verify it has suitable space and Chair Ali will verify costs of security and janitorial services. 4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS Chair Ali referenced the previous work she and Commissioner Nanny did to revamp the process of the HRC when they issue proclamations. Chair Ali will send the outline for the new process to Ms. Holloman. Commissioner Farley would like to begin recognitions in February 2025, to follow issuance of the Human Rights Award for 2024. 5. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD Chair Ali verified with Commissioners that they will use the process used last year to determine this year’s winner, including recognizing a group and an individual for the award. She wishes to finalize the new measures and post them online. She will provide the final version of the measures to Ms. Holloman soon after the meeting. Commissioners agreed to make nominations due on Friday, October 18 at 5:00 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:31 p.m. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING - Monday, August 26, 2024 Page |2