May 18, 2023 Minutes

Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes - May 18, 2023

The Regular Meeting of the Human Rights Commission of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, May 18, 2023.

The Human Rights Commissioners present or absent were as follows:

Present: Cody Severson, Sarah Boonstoppel, Nancy Boyle, Jacqueline Dotzenrod, Barry Nelson, Cheryl Schaefle, Hon. Carolyn Becraft, Sekou Sirleaf.

Absent: Hamida Dakane, Matuor Alier,

Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Severson welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.

Item 2. Approve Order of Agenda
Member Beccraft moved the Order of Agenda be approved as presented, amending item 6, second by member Boonstoppel. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.

Item 3. Approve Order of Minutes
Member Nelson moved the minutes of the April 20 Human Rights Commission meeting be approved as presented. Second by Member Boyle. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.

Item 4. Approve Order of Statement
Chair Severson read the Statement of Support to Fargo Public School, and Dr. Gandhi. Honarable Becraft moved the statement be approved as read and presented. Second by Member Boyle. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.

Item 5. Homeless Coalition presentation, by John Campbell
John Campbell provided overview of organization Homeless Coalition. Addressed key issues contributing homelessness and how the organization provides assistance.

Item 6. Community Engagement Center presentation, by Jan Eliassen
Item Amended move to future date.

Item 7. Legislation Updates
Member Nelson provided an overview of the Legislature end of session.

Item 8. Committee Updates
Member Schaefle discuss with her sub-committee to engaging with community and hosting speaker sessions and panels at the public library on Human Rights subjects. Committee is hosting a panel discuss on May 24th at 6pm at the downtown library.

Item 9. Staff Updates
No staff update.

Item 10. Announcements
Community Juneteenth events will be on June 17th and June 19th.

Item 11. Public Comment
Reverend Karen Van Fossan thanked the commission members for their concern for the LGBTGQ community, housing issues and public for advocacy. Reverend Karen Van Fossan spoke about Shane Netterville.

Christopher Coen spoke about Shane Netterville and Police policies.

Item 12. Adjourn
The time at adjournment was 12:52p.m.