Re: Human Rights Commission and next steps on previously announced law enforcement reforms (thread)
Most large cities have a Human Rights Commission, including Tulsa. Oklahoma City had one until 1996.
Most large cities have a Human Rights Commission, including Tulsa. Oklahoma City had one until 1996.
On January 23, 1996, the Oklahoma City Council voted to abolish our city’s Human Rights Commission. The action passed with the barest majority, just five votes. Then-Mayor Norick was on record as opposed to the abolishment.
I have been communicating this week with a diverse group of our residents who would like to see this issue revisited. I agree that it is time to have that conversation.
This month, I will name a task force to prepare a proposal for City Council to consider this Fall reinstating Oklahoma City’s Human Rights Commisson.
If you desire to serve on this task force preparing this proposal, email me at mayor@okc.gov. Even if you are not named, you will have opportunity to provide feedback to the task force.
Following-up on my commitments made last week regarding law enforcement policies, this month I will also name a separate task force to revisit our city’s de-escalation policy and our current mechanism for community accountability.
If you desire to serve on this task force, email me at mayor@okc.gov. Even if you are not named, you will have opportunity to provide feedback to the task force.
Building a more just city will be hard work, but I firmly believe a broad coalition of our residents desire to engage in that work. We are continuing to walk down that path together. #1OKC
