Human Rights Commission May 2, 2012 Meeting Minutes

Quorom

Commissioners present: Aimee Krouskop. Allan Lazo, Ashley Horne, Damon Isiah Turner, Deyalo Bennette, Donita Fry, Donna Maxey, Emily Gottfried, Hector Lopez, Kyle Busse, Mayra Arreola, Moloy Good, Stephen Manning

Commissioners absent: Abdul Majidi, Christine Rontal.

Welcome and Introductions

Commission Chair Alan Lazo called session to order ar 4:15pm and introduced the Director of the Office of Equity and Human Rights (OEHR), Dante James.  Mr. James welcomed Human Rights Commissioners and public antendees which includedPortlandStateUniversitygraduate students and a representative of Mercy Corps, NW, a videographer from JoeAnybody.com., and the Commission’s strategic planning consultant.  Please see meeting sign-in sheet for for names and addresses of public attendees.

The OEHR Director acknowledged the commitment and the accomplishments of the Rights Commission (HRC) and the uniqueness of the City structure within which the HRC currently operates, and that this creates it’s own difficulties. Mr. James noted that he’s mindful of the HRC’s concerns over the younger organization’s (HRC) creation. OEHR, he indicated, is as much as HRC, a watch dog over City governance.

Mr. James said that his office has no interest in interfering with HRC’s important work of giving voice to Portlanders without. His goal, he went on to say, between OEHR and the Commission is a positive relationship; there might be disagreements in process but this will never inhibit substance.

HRC Chair Mr. Lazo commented that the Commission will rely on Mr. James leadership in the community on Equity and Human Rights efforts.

Approval of last Commission session notes and current session agenda

Approved

Committee and Liaison Updates