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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 260-05I " -) , , City of Palo Alto City Manager's Report TO: HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM: CITY MANAGER DEP ARTMENT: COMMUNITY SERVICES DATE: JUNE 6, 2005 CMR: 260:05 SUBJECT: PROTOCOLS FROM THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMMISSION FOR RESPONDING TO ACTS OF INTOLERANCE This is an informational report and no Council action is required. BACKGROUND At its April 8, 2004 meeting, the Human Relations Commission discussed crimes of domestic violence, senior abuse and hate crimes with staff of the Police Department. The Diversity Subcommittee of the Human Relations Commission later began working on protocols to -address "hate crimes", referring to them as "acts of intolerance". DISCUSSION At its October 14, 2004 meeting, the Human Relations Commission voted unanimously on two separate protocols which address preventing and responding to acts of intolerance, one directed to the Human Relations Commission (Attachment A), and another directed to the community (Attachment B). Both protocols provide a definition of an act of intolerance and identify several possible responses created to help the victim(s), determine a course of action, and help the victim(s) and community in the healing process. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Protocol for the Palo Alto Human Relation Commission's Response to Acts of Intolerance. Attachment B: Protocol from the Palo Alto Human Relations Commission: Ways for the Community to Respond to Acts of Intolerance. PREPARED By:0vfftl Yl '-t§~ L:J~ \ \ I HY ESPI OZA-HOW ARD _ Division Manager, Cubberley and Human Services DEPARTMENTHEAD: ____ ~~~~~~~~~~===?~==~~----- CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: ___ ~~~rf':;~~~~"--L------- Assistant City Manager CMR:260:05 Page 1 of 1 Attachment A PROTOCOL FOR THE PALO ALTO HUMAN RELATION COMMISSION'S RESPONSE TO ACTS OF INTOLERANCE Purpose: The purpose of this protocol is to outline procedures for the Palo Alto Human Relations to respond to acts of intolerance. I Definition of an act of intolerance: For the purpose of this protocol an act of intolerance is conduct that adversely and unfairly targets an individual or group on the basis ofrace, skin color, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, weight, height, and socia economic and housing. An act of intolerance may pose a threat to the community. It may hurt individuals and groups in a way that implicates a person or persons' social identity and background, making any and all members of a group a target of the offense. The act can escalate the injury from a random one against individuals to a sweeping one against an entire group. An entire community may be disrupted by such events. Response: 1. Determine if a hate group is involved and research its symbols and agenda. Seek advice from anti-hate organizations. Spread accurate information to the community. 2. Create a bias response team (ie.; leaders from ACLU, Peninsula Peace and Justice Center, Peninsula Interfaith Action, etc.). 3. Look into issues that might divide us. Such issues may be economic inequality, immigration, and homosexuality. Work against discrimination in housing employment, and education. 4. Consider whether it is appropriate to recommend a course of action to the City Council. 5. Contact religious and educational leaders and urge them to use their pulpit/forum to condemn all forms of bigotry. Distribute to them the Protocol for a Community Response to Acts of Intolerance. 6. Encourage government and school support for local non-discrimination programs. 7. Write local newspapers with anti-prejudice and pro-diversity messages and ask that it devote editorial space to such opinIon pieces. Write Guest Opinions. 8. Develop a plan for disseminating positive lessons (ie.; brochure, cable TV broadcast, etc.) " Attachment B PROPOSAL FROM THE PALO ALTO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION: WAYS FOR THE COMMUNITY TO RESPOND TO ACTS OF INTOLERANCE Purpose: The purpose of this document is to describe ways in which members of the community may respond to acts of intolerance. I Definition of an act of intolerance: For the purpose of this proposal an act of intolerance is conduct that adversely and unfairly targets an individual or group on the basis of race, skin color, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, weight, height, and socio-economic and housing. An act of intolerance may pose a threat to the community. It may hurt individuals and groups in a way that implicates a person or persons' social identity and background, making any and all members of a group a target of the offense. The act can escalate the injury from a random one against individuals to a sweeping one against an entire group. An entire community may be disrupted by such events. Suggested Responses: 1. Act. Failure to object to an act of intolerance may be interpreted as tacit endorsement of the act by the perpetrator(s), public, and the victim(s). Report an act of intolerance to the police, Department of Justice, or any other appropriate authority such as school administrators and business supervisors. 2. Do not repeat stereotypes or unexamined half-truths about others. People tend to believe what they hear, regardless of whether it is true. 3. Speak out against jokes or slurs that target people or groups. Silence sends a message that you agree. It is not enough to refuse to laugh. 4. Organize allies from religious institutions, schools, clubs, and other civic sources. Create a diverse coalition. Get to know your neighbors, especially people different from you. It will enrich your life and help give you a greater sense of safety and respect. 5. Support the victim(s): Let them know you care. Surround them with people who they feel comfortable with. Make sure they are physically/emotionally safe. 6. Hold a unity rally, parade, or cultural fair to celebrate the community's diversity. 7. Buy an ad. Help news organizations achieve balance and depth. Write a letter to to the editor or a Guest Opinion. Attachment B 8. Discuss as a family the impact of prejudicial attitudes and behaviors. 9. Find out about organizations that combat prejudice and consider joining them. 10. Persuade politicians, business and community leadyrs to take a stand against intolerance. 11. Teach tolerance. Sponsor an "I have a dream" contest. Target youths who may be tempted by hate groups. 12. Look inside yourself for prejudices and stereotypes. , . , . ", , . f~.