November 16, 2023 Minutes

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES

Regular Meeting: Thursday, November 16, 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, November 16, 2023.

The Human Rights Commissioners present or absent were as follows:

Present: Cody Severson, Sekou Sirleaf, Nancy Boyle, Hon. Carolyn Becraft, Cheryl Schaefle, Kristin Nelson, Tambah Saah,

Absent: Xavier Welty

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

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

Item 3. Approve Order of Minutes
Member Becraft moved the Order of October 19th Minutes be approved as presented, second by member Schaefle. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.

Item 4. State of Homelessness in Fargo, presentation by Chandler Esslinger
Chandler discussed overview of the state of homelessness report in the metro area. Chandler discussed homelessness data and trends in the metro area. From 2007- 2016, homelessness had been decreasing across the nation, down 17%, but has been on the rise up 6% since 2017. 62% of people experiencing chronic homelessness are disproportionally living unsheltered. In the metro area the need for shelter far outweighs the availability of shelter in the community. Member Schaefle encourage community to support local shelters. Individuals can drop off needed items such as, warm socks and snacks.

Item 5. State of Youth Homelessness in Fargo Public Schools, presentation by Jan Anderson
Anderson discussed the ‘McKinney-Vento Act’ which protects the rights of homeless children and youth to get to, stay in, and be successful in school while they or their families are experiencing homelessness. The law focuses on maintaining school stability, school access, and providing support for academic success for kids experiencing homelessness. In 2023 school year, FPS identified 186 students experiencing homelessness. The school year prior there were 336 students experiencing homelessness.

Item 6. MLK 2024 Updates
Member Absey provided an update on upcoming MLK event in January 2024.

Item 7. Staff Updates
No Staff updates.

Item 9. Announcements
Chair Severson announced, December HRC cancellation, due to the holidays.

Item 10. Public Comment
No public comment was provided

Item 12. Adjourn
The time at adjournment was 1:00p.m.