Human Rights Commission Meeting

CITY OF NORMAN, OK HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING Municipal Building, Executive Conference Room 201 West Gray, Norman, OK 73069 Monday, June 22, 2026 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 Municipal Building, on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM and notice of the agenda of the meeting was posted at the Norman Municipal Building at 201 West Gray, and on the City website at least 24 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Aisha Ali, Chair (Ward 3) Jackie Farley (Ward 8) Romina Navarro Vega (Ward 6) Rachel Wyatt-Swanson (Ward 8) COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Jessica Schwager (Ward 4) Phillip Moss (Ward 2) Brandon Clark (Ward 5) STAFF PRESENT Grace Holloman, Accessibility and Culture Coordinator Jeanne Snider, Assistant City Attorney Sarah Encinias, Legal Admin Tech ROLL CALL A quorum was present. Chair Ali called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. MINUTES 1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE MAY 18, 2026, REGULAR MEETING The following changes were requested by Commissioners to the May 18, 2026, meeting minutes:  First paragraph under Item 3: change the word “subcommittee” to “focus group”.  Second paragraph under Item 3: change the approximate length of meeting time from 2 hours to 4 hours and add additional details discussed about the future special meeting. Ms. Encinias said she would include both approximate meeting time lengths as both numbers were heard at the meeting. HRC Commissioners who wish to include HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING - Monday, June 22, 2026 Page |1  additional information in the minutes will prepare an addendum to add to the final minutes. Motion was made and seconded by Commissioners to move approval of the finalized minutes to the HRC meeting in July. Motion was approved by unanimous vote. ACTION ITEMS 2. PRESENTATION BY NORMAN CULTURAL CONNECTION Chair Ali introduced Mariel Martyn, Executive Director, of local non-profit organization Norman Cultural Connection. Ms. Martyn previously spoke to Mayor Holman regarding the initiative to tie community organizations together to work cohesively in what will be entitled “Charter for Compassion”. The idea originally came from author, Karen Armstrong, who wishes to support a global movement that connects people, cultivates relationships, and encourages compassionate action at every level of society. Marilyn Turkovich then started the organization in 2013 as Education Director and now serves as Executive Director. Ms. Martyn’s organization has already joined as an organizational partner. Ms. Martyn handed out copies of pages from the Charter for Compassion website and spoke about the group’s mission. They wish to also work with schools and private organizations and to categorize them in one of seven pillars that describes how they contribute to their community. The HRC would be identified as part of the “Justice” pillar in the charter. She further stated that the US Conference of Mayors has endorsed the Compassionate Cities movement and encourages communities with over 35,000 residents to participate. Rather than creating new organizations, the Charter provides an umbrella that connects work already happening throughout the community. The long-term goal is for Norman to become recognized as a Compassionate City. Commissioners asked Ms. Martyn various questions and agreed to discuss this opportunity further as a group. Ms. Martyn was thanked for her presentation and information. 3. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE JUNE 29, 2026, SPECIAL MEETING Chair Ali said she would gather her notes and ideas in addition to those she has received from other commissioners and compile them to help as a guide when they chose a Mission and Vision statement. She would also like to complete written procedures of HRC activities and establish clear goals for the remainder of the year. Commissioners then discussed work assignments of each member. As an aside, Ms. Holloman requested that commissioners ask her directly if they have questions about a policy or procedure so as to lessen possible miscommunication between members. Ms. Encinias also wished to clarify that meeting minutes serve only as a summary and are not meant to be a transcription of the meeting. However, HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING - Monday, June 22, 2026 Page |2  she would begin recording meetings to allow members to review previous meetings in more detail if they desired. Members reconfirmed that the Special Meeting would be held from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the Executive Conference Room. ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Holloman asked members to let her know when they have invited other people to come and participate at an HRC meeting so appropriate preparations can be made. Commissioner Navarro Vega clarified that if members that are interested in remaining on the HRC, they need to resubmit an application before their current term ends. MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS (Public Comments) None. ADJOURNMENT This meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING - Monday, June 22, 2026 Page |3