February 15, 2024 Minutes
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting: Thursday, February 15, 2024
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, February 15, 2024.
The Human Rights Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Carolyn Becraft, Cheryl Schaefle, Cody Severson, Zoe Absy, Kristen Nelson, Tambah Saah, Xavier Welty, Ritchell Aboah, Nancy Boyle, Sekou Sirleaf
Absent: Aaron Kawreh
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Severson welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 2. Approve Order of Minutes
Chair Severson suggested members wait until March 21 to approve January minutes.
Item 3. Approve Order of Agenda
Member chair Cody Severson amended the agenda to add public comment item. Member chair Cody Severson moved the Order of amended Agenda to be approved. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 4. FCPH Cessation Campaign
FCPH provided an overview of their current tobacco cessation campaign. FCPH provides tobacco education program to community and area public schools, including 7th grade through High School. FCPH stated that there is currently an up-tick on e-cigarettes and vibes among school age students. FCPH has a program that assist adults and youth to quit use of tobacco.
Item 5. Cease-Fire Resolution Discussion
Member of the community addressed the HRC members to adopt a cease-fire resolution to end the Israel-Hamas war. Community member read through a resolution draft supporting a permanent cease-fire resolution. In the resolution draft community member stated that, They believe in the shared humanity of all people and affirm it as a common value held by Fargo residents and leaders. We follow the lead of more than 48 other cities in calling for a ceasefire because what happens internationally impacts our constituents locally, Fargo will likely be taxed millions to pay for Israel’s war, and to denounce the rise of hate crimes perpetuated against Jewish, Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and all other community members locally and around the nation.
Community member Abdul from Palestine read a statement reflecting current situation in Palestine. Abdul voiced that his family members have been killed in Palestine. Abdul voiced current hate-crimes happening to Palestinians in the US. Abdul encouraged the HRC members to support a cease-fire.
Member Nelson moved HRC to adopt the Cease-fire resolution, second by member Boyle. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 6. The Arbors Community Discussion
Member Absy provided an update regarding the Arbors. Member Absy reported that Arbors management will like to hire more staff sooner than later to have more hours for community events. Once community service manager is hired Arbors will plan to have a community focus group.
Item 7. Announcements
Fargo Fire Department will have recruitment campaign to fill open positions. Applications are open April 1st, through the 12th.
Item 8. Staff Updates
Member Absy provided an update on preparation for Juneteenth.
Member Boyle provided an update on Women’s Month events occurring in the community. Member chair Severson provided update on the revised HRC brochures.
Member Becraft provided updates of the Education Committee. The committee is looking into having an event in April related to Fair Housing.
Item 9. Public Comment
Community member Victoria discussed fair housing issues in the community.
Item 10. Adjourn
The time at adjournment was 12:56 p.m.