May 20, 2025 — Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting

Transcript

Manually captioned by City of Boulder staff. All segments attributed to uploader — not individual speaker labels. [MM:SS] timestamps correspond to the YouTube recording.

[0:05] Alright, everybody welcome. It is 6 0, 7 on Tuesday, May 20.th This is the May Human Relations Commission meeting, and I'm gonna share my screen. Here. cool, Carlos, I will pass it off to you. Via yeah benteve mayo espero que todos a llamos tenido

[1:07] UN bueno de mes y que bueno verlosar. But most nuestro punto numero those kids en lagenda Argentina, alco. I do, and this is just a oversight on my part the agenda that I sent out in the packet. Had under discussion. Informational items the difficult dialogues and review slash approval of the Revised Handbook. The review and approval of the Revised Handbook requires a vote. And so, having read said Handbook.

[2:00] I need to move that under the action item, so we can vote on it. So just requesting that we do that. Good. And that is all I have for you, Carlos. Sorry about that. Also just to let people know. I have a class that I begin tonight. So I'm I'm only here for the 1st hour. I'll have to take off. So, hoping that will not be too disruptive. Esperamos que que puedes bien entonces nuestro punto numero threes pemosa aprovalas minutas del mes pasado.

[3:09] Approved last year. Okay, good. Thank you. Gracias a todos segumos con maestro ponto nobro puatro commentario savientosta paso la palabra cristian. We are flying along, and we do not have anybody here tonight to make public comment. It looks like no additional guests. Move again. Gracias entonces estro siente punto es

[4:03] oh, see! The name was la Revision de nuestro. Manuel. Yes, and I am going to stop sharing my screen so we can all see each other in case there's some conversation here. Alright. So, just remembering back to the April meeting, we had the Updated Commissioner's Handbook. There's a full 30 pages thank you very much to the subcommittee that came together. Emily, Elizabeth Roberto, our colleague in the city attorney's office, met several times over the course of a few months to go just about section by section and revise the Handbook.

[5:01] We requested it was requested at the last meeting to have some more time to look it over, and so we are returning back to it, just to see if there were any questions. Comments, anything. Conversation around the Revised Handbook. There. No comments on that. Was your cream. Okay? The revisitarel, Manuel. Croquet comprendido prami no se los emas yo croquet. Yes, mucho para per a layer you este Manuel.

[6:17] I agree with Carlos. I also thought it was easier to understand, even though I'm not remembering the original too well. I know. We said, that we take some time to look over it. I had a little bit more time to look over, and I feel good with how it is now. All good to hear. That is great commentario sobre el Manuel and necesitamos unamosion para provare este manual. And move to approve the manual.

[7:00] A second. A todos peremos que los proximos commissionad la la oportunidad de laerlo y sexualizen como como nosotro verd precious entonces vamos a las discusiones informales y tenemos una discusion informala qui is tenemos Cristian. Yes, so this is coming back to the ongoing conversation that we have had as a commission for almost going on a year. Now I if you looked in the meeting packet the page after the April meeting minutes, I put together a little bit of

[8:02] a timeline of this conversation to kind of keep us on track and a few guiding questions to help us make sure that we are staying within sort of the Human Relations Commission, a Human Relations Commission Mission. So that is one piece there. But also I did have a chance to connect with Dr. Ho! Who had some new information to share. And some opportunities. For the Commission to consider. So I'm not sure sequence wise. What would make the most sense?

[9:03] I can share Dr. Ho's update, and then we can get into a sort of conversation around. The sort of initiative, and where we're where we're going with this as a commission. Seeing nods from Emily. Sounds good. All right. So from Dr. Ho! There were 2 pieces of follow up. One is as we all know, the difficult dialogues event series that is hosted in part by the Cu college for humanities in the arts has a fall event. Planned for roughly late September. The exact date is, still to be determined. The theme of this conversation this difficult dialogue event would be the theme of immigration.

[10:09] And just so you left it at that, for right now the opportunity would be to collaborate with, call it College of the Humanities and Arts, in bringing the sort of putting the event on it could look like just helping advertise and get the event information out to the community so they may attend, and they can participate in the event, or she is kind of open to conversation on that. So that is one piece. The second piece is, we had some interest after

[11:04] a small group of us attended a pilot of the interview game which was in February, if I am remembering correctly. And so the interview game at the end of that. Pilot session. We discuss the possibility of being trained in facilitating the interview game and essentially just to sort of jog folks memories. The interview game is made sort of facilitated dialogue to bring folks on either end of a spectrum of a particular conversation together to connect as human beings and discuss a more than likely contentious topic. so that opportunity is still available.

[12:01] The game itself is the license is held by a individual in Boulder who is actually in the middle of putting on a event series this weekend, and next weekend, which we'll talk about more about in the staff update. But the opportunity is there. They are aware that the Hrc is interested in the possibility. And have offered to have some conversations. If we want to have a subcommittee, Aaron, I know you have been primarily driving the this initiative forward. So we have the possibility to have more conversations there around. What that might look like and how we can make that happen if there's still interest among the Commission.

[13:01] Sounds good. I love hearing. It sounds like some good movement. Beautiful. So I think, those are my 2 updates from Dr. Ho, I think also just wanting to spend some time making sure that we are clear on sort of like what our goals or goal of doing these actions or doing these things would be and how that relates to our commission as the Human Relations Commission here. So I put the meeting packet. Just some questions, and I am now realizing that I don't have the meeting packet in front of me, so does anybody have that? Or I can pull it up. Just give me a sec.

[14:02] Did you want me to screen? Share it? Sure that would be true. It's on the one pager. Yes. Yeah, oops. I can't. Can't share. Why don't I just put the questions in the chat. That would be great. I just made you a Co host. So you should be able to share. Now. maybe. Okay. So we're looking at

[15:01] sort of the current discussion. Here we have these 2. We have these 2 possibilities in front of us, and our last conversation around this was in February. where we had some discussion on what the goals, or goal of moving this effort forward would be. And then there was an agreement to. We need to talk about this more. And get clear on. Why, we're doing this. What we're hoping to see? Like, what are the sort of like outcomes that we're hoping to see of our efforts here. And make sure that those are connected. to what we set out to do as as the Human Relations Commission, and so just want to open up the floor here for

[16:01] Some conversation around that. Yeah, I guess I'm definitely seeing this as in terms of if we are to act as public relations support for Dr. Ho's events, I'm definitely seeing it as in alignment with us, supporting furthering human rights in the city of Boulder. And we've heard from multiple community members that immigration is a really important topic, and it especially politically, right now, with what's happening with the Federal Government. It's a very important topic, I think, for our commission. Then we have kind of going back to the Genesis. And why, Erin, why, you brought this to our commission, and that doesn't. This doesn't necessarily directly forward advancing kind of relations and supporting dialogue around the Gaza genocide. So personally, I feel excited about working with Dr. Ho, continuing to work with her, and it doesn't seem like a heavy lift on our end to be promoting it.

[17:21] And I I guess, Christian, I I'm also curious. If she asked for any other type of support like, even if we can just be at the door greeting, handing out handouts like if she wanted on the spot. Kind of day of support I'm I'm definitely open to that, too. But I'm I'm wondering, especially from Erin and and Carlos, and figure what you all feel about kind of not shifting away from, but certainly not directly forwarding, that goal of supporting dialogue around the Gaza genocide.

[18:01] Yeah, I mean, I think dialogue in general is better. I think this is helping the community talk more. I think the issue of Gaza was like it was bubbling up as like the most immediate thing that's like the symptom. But the sense I got was like the real thing is, we wanted to make sure our community is in better dialogue around things that matter. And so I think, continuing to support this is super aligned with that, and I think it might. We might be more effective if we like, just continue to support dialogue in general, and not weigh too much into an issue that can be incredibly contentious. especially when, like, I know, there's been people who have like felt that the Human Relations Commission has been too like politicized around this. And so by like staying at this, it's like helps ensure that we're able to affect the issue without it like becoming. This thing that I don't know might

[19:00] not get to what we actually want to get to. So I'm I'm regardless. I'm totally with what you're saying of like I think we should totally support. I think it's a light lift, and I think it's impactful and overall aligned with what we care about. And just calling out in the chat picker, Fully agreeing with Aaron. Well stated. Do we have a sense, Christian? So the other question you had asked was around getting trained in the interview procedure, and personally especially for going along the lines of what Erin was saying about promoting dialogue as a form of conducive conversation across difference. I do think it would be worth. maybe even just on a voluntary basis. Having us get trained. But I don't know, especially on Dr. Ho's side, what kind of time commitment that is so want to make sure. I guess I wanna make sure it's also worth her time.

[20:19] I did not get a whole lot of information on what that necessarily would. Intel the game interview game is licensed by an individual named Ami. Their last name I'm forgetting right now. To the College of Human College of Humanities and the Arts. And the idea would essentially be to facilitate the game, the idea would essentially be we purchase a license or something along the lines to also like be trained and able to facilitate the

[21:04] interview game. Se puede verdad pero me gusta me gusta toas estas idea que Si las podemos y Abarakab. Wonderful do in order to continue moving the work forward. Don't necessarily want to put you on the spot if you don't want to be on the spot, Aaron, but just wanting to see who do we? Wanna

[22:05] how do we want to do this? We want to make a subcommittee to continue conversation with Dr. Ho! Or what would be, what do we think is best there? The rare. And if you're talking which I think you are. You're on mute. I am on mute. I was saying, Yeah, I think I think that that seems like a good idea subcommittee to talk with Dr. Ho! But yeah, if anybody else has any ideas beyond that super open hearing them seems like that's a good pathway. Then. Cool! What would be the next steps for that Christian.

[23:00] Next steps pretty much would be to have some conversation with Dr. Ho! Around and ami around the licensing, and then I think she is going to follow up with me in particular about the fall event. So I can get something on our calendars, Erin and connect us by email to work that out. It sounds like you'll initiate that. I'll be on that some commission, and I'm curious. Who else would be interested in joining for that. and no worries. If no one has the bandwidth, I'm happy to keep representing us.

[24:02] Thanks, Erin. Necesitaria, saber. Cool. Ms. Oportunidad. Cool. Yeah, my, my schedule is flexible. So maybe, Christian, you can help coordinate that. Absolutely. Cool sweet thanks. Carlos. I think that is all we have for difficult dialogues, for now there sounds like we have some a subcommittee. We got some next steps. We got some clarity on moving forward. So. Carlos, pass it back to you.

[25:04] Gracias, cristine, gracias, todos, a nuestro punto numero siete cristiano travecia, elisave. Alright and bear with me just a sec. I'm going to share my screen here. oops.

[26:00] And, as usual, I'm getting to these slide, and sorry if I'm making you motion sick by zooming through this as usual, I will send out this information, as you'll see here. There is much to be determined, still in terms of a very event. Heavy. June. Coming up, but 1st on the list here, as mentioned before, we have the conversation. Part one. The Israeli Palestinian conversation which is happening this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, as well as next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 to 8 30 pm. At the Dairy Arts Center. And so this will be a. as I understand, dramatization of, or involving the

[27:00] use of the interview game to have a conversation between folks on either side of the Israeli Palestinian conflict. And so this is the event that Ami Danyan, I believe I lost the chat. But thank you, Elena, for putting that in there. Is putting on. And so That's why they're busy, and we can't have conversations around the interview game until the beginning of June, because this is happening. But dr. Ho thought this would be a great opportunity to see the interview game in action, and to kind of bring it back to the initial catalyst for us. Having this conversation. There is a tickets are, I believe, between 15 to $30.

[28:02] but it's a great opportunity over at the Dairy Arts Center, and Dr. Ho herself will be facilitating at least a portion of the event on Thursday. So that is the 20 second the opening night. And also an invitation extended from dr. Ho. To join College for the Humanities and Arts Fall, 2025. Book Club, which will be reading the fantasy and Necessity of solidarity by Sarah Schulman. You can find more details at the Link. There. If you are one of the 1st 150 people to join the Book Club. I believe you get a free copy of the book. You do need to register, or you can go. Looked like there were office like open office hours that you could go and

[29:06] register in person and grab a copy of the book if you're amongst one of those 1st few moving right along. We have, as mentioned before, Hrc. Recruitment will begin in the Elizabeth. Correct me if I'm wrong. But I believe July. I want to say is when. Pretty sure it's June 22. But let me check that real quick. Okay, so recruitment will begin. A second round of recruitment will begin June 22, and we'll have more flyers updated flyers and details on that to share out And then, Elizabeth.

[30:02] not to put you on the spot while you are looking for that detail. But the next point. I actually actually have it. And we're both wrong. Okay. So the applications are open for Hrc. And there are a couple of other boards and commissions that also are kind of re-recruiting from June 30, through July 18, th and then interviews are July 21st through 25, th and then appointments would take place on August 14th at a city Council special meeting. So anyway, the the next milestone for recruitment is when that window opens up for applications on June 30.th Thank you very much, and I will get that information out. to you all as well, so you can share with your networks. We are trying to cast a wide net and stay true to the

[31:04] sort of founding ideals of the Human Relations Commission of being a commission that reflects the various forms of diversity within the boulder community. Next point is the dinner and discussion with city council. Elizabeth. Did you wanna take this one. Sure. So you might remember to way back to our last meeting. Where Christian and I shared that. There's some conversation among City Council members that they're interested in having a conversation about how the Human Rights Ordinance is kind of able to serve or help with protections for various members of our community that are in protected classes understand a little bit about what kinds of inquiries come in, what demand there are for

[32:07] those protective services, and that they would like to have that conversation with the Hrc. So we've talked Christian and I with some other city staff whose responsibility is both to set up dialogues like that. It would not take place at a city council meeting, but before a council meeting, which which happens occasionally with other groups. One example is our Youth Opportunities Advisory Board has an annual dinner with City Council. It's more of kind of a social and discussion than it is a meeting either of the Hrc. Or City council. and so, in order for that to take place at a time that when city council is not already pretty slammed with other similar kind of additional meetings and events. That's probably gonna take place sometime in the fall. Originally we thought maybe that would be a little bit later in the summer, but it looks like their schedule is pretty packed at that time, so stay tuned for a more specific date as we get closer to it, and some more details on the meeting, and Christian will obviously reach out well in advance when we have some actual draft dates and make sure that everyone is available for that.

[33:25] but it would likely be somewhere around kind of the 5, you know, kind of 5, 15, 5, 30 timeframe, so that there can be some discussion before city council goes to its regular meeting. One more thing I will say is that it is not common for city Council to just have meetings with boards and commissions. That's that's not really what they do on a regular basis.

[34:00] And so I think it is an important nuance to state that this isn't Council saying, Hey, we'd love to meet with the Hrc. It's council, as far as we understand, saying we would like to be able to talk about some really important topics in our community that happen to relate to the Hrc's work. And we want to have those conversations, not only with Staff, but with the Commission that that serves to advise council on these issues, which is totally understandable. And we support. So so that's just a little piece on that. Not to be confused with kind of a hey? Let's have a meal and talk. But this is an issue. We want to talk about. And so we'd like to do. Have that conversation with Hrc. Any questions about that. I was just gonna ask a question. did I do? I remember correctly that you all would be willing to like brief us before. Because a couple of things I'm thinking of like Christian.

[35:07] I'm assuming you have way, more knowledge about, especially like the types of cases you might see. And obviously we can read the ordinance, but our our formal purpose is to serve in that quasi judicial capacity which I have yet to be asked to do so. I can't speak very much to it, aside from, you know, trying to put on events and and be a sounding board and support of human rights more generally. So just wondering if you all could brief us. And if there's anything else you'd suggest for preparation for the meeting, I know it's it's far in advance, but always good to plan ahead. Yes, to the short answer to the your question is, yes, we can absolutely

[36:01] brief, or how? However that might look, Carlos and I actually discussed the potential of, I have a newish outreach presentation that I am hoping to take out to the community to organizations, community groups to just spread some general awareness around. The various ordinances that fall within the office of human rights. And so it would look fairly similar to it. It looks fairly similar to what we covered at the retreat. But we discussed having that at an upcoming me, presenting that at an upcoming meeting so that I can one get everybody sort of like caught back up grounded back in

[37:05] the ordinances and kind of like what our function is as the commission, but also would really love some feedback from people who are not sort of in the local government sphere. And so just would love some feedback on that. So that was an idea. That I believe we will see at an upcoming meeting, and would align pretty nicely with the timeline for the Council dinner to include trends, data, points on this year, etc. Anything else?

[38:01] Okay? Last on the list of items that I had, as I mentioned, at the top. June is going to be an event. Heavy month. We have immigrant heritage month. We have Juneteenth we also have pride, all happening at various points in time in June. And a lot is still being planned, and so what I will do is as I get information. About events, I will push out to you are, so that you have the info as well and can attend, and I would really hope to see you all there, and also hear folks. Updates on how the events went, what their thoughts were, what they're seeing out in the community there.

[39:03] some more to come, and that is all I have for staff updates. Ones de los Comicionados. I don't hmm. When initio you, christian Estee. lorenzo y yo con la policia vamos a dener la rene conor noses el mes pasado elementos de la policia para

[40:05] cuento lorenzo nos de en orche group y otros actually nepes mucho con la comunidad y tenido e tenidos con differentes, Kente de las comunidades, don't they honest? The hmm MOS an estado piriendo otras cosas pero ya las ledmitira a los puntos que que deben que deben de ser.

[41:12] Carlos, do you need or want you or Lorenzo want any support for that June 3rd event, or anything that we could do to support that event? The The Star, the Star Union. Thanks for sharing Carlos. So I also have an update. This is actually going to be my last Hrc meeting. I've recently not recently. I've been in Denver for some time, and from what I understand, board members need to live in Boulder County, which makes total sense. And I know it's a little bit Southern

[42:16] but honestly, the timing feels a little right for me. I've been feeling a little overwhelmed with work and life in general. So, stepping back now and letting somebody else take the space feels like kind of the right move. I'll say that I've learned. I've been on the board for a couple of years now, and I've learned so much, and I feel like I've adulted through this board and this year has been like super meaningful for me, especially because I've really seen the board go from like our meetings. And efforts becoming more like action oriented and like community focused. So I'm super excited, for you know all the things that Hrc. Will do in the upcoming years, and I'll definitely be keeping up with everything, but definitely wanted to let you guys know myself.

[43:09] Yeah. Thank you for letting us know, and I'll really miss being on the board with you, Vicker. I've really appreciated your presence and contributions, and I wish you could still participate, and I'm glad it's opening up some space for you in your life. Thank you, Emily. I appreciate that. Yeah. big, big same from over here. Yeah, it's been an honor getting to know you here. Yeah, I wish, yeah, really beautiful things going forward. Thank you, Erin. Nos dejes pero, which let's go, says what? I'll go to September, though, Master Eso.

[44:01] which is where Teloma worked, and to be there. Thank you, Carlos. I really appreciate that. I will just echo what everybody else has said here as well. Thank you, Victor, for your contributions. Most recently, with the presentation put on by lab to combat human trafficking. It's been a big pleasure to work with you. And though this is the last meeting meeting. I am hoping to organize, because we also had Jh's departure, and he wasn't at the last meeting. I'm hoping to organize a time that we can come together and just appreciate both of you, and wish you well in person. so that we're not all just boxes on the screen, saying, Best of luck, and thank you. And so

[45:04] that will be part of my follow up with you all just to put together those details. That sounds great. Thank you, Christian. Yeah, I will just very quickly add. Vicar came in to the Hrc. Right? When we were having some a pretty substantial staff change. I think your 1st meeting was actually like a going away for the former community relations manager. And then Ingrid was in the role, and I was just coming into the role. And now we have Christian, and there's been lots of other membership changes. So just really want to acknowledge that change is the only constant, I think, is the saying, or something like that. And and you've just been a really steady, you know, presence and wise offered some very wise counsel. During meetings so like others. Just thank you. The only constant in life is change.

[46:09] anyway, more to say when we gather in person, but just wanted to quickly. Add my appreciation for you as well and glad, and that you're having a you know. Kind of very meaningful transitions in life, even though they're not taking place within the city limits. Thank you, Elizabeth. I appreciate that. It's been a pleasure getting to know all of you guys. Aculisenciones vamos. Los puntos de segumento Christian. I have just oh, couple of Carlos! Sorry I just didn't want to jump in right after Ficar. Your announcement. Sorry, Carlos, to cut you off. Just wanted to to share that. I did have a chance to go to Valerie Carr's amazing talk last month.

[47:13] It was super well attended, gorgeous music along with her. Just she's she's such an amazing author and artist. So she really delivered a powerful message of revolutionary love. And her book, see, no stranger is about seeing. seeing and loving people, even people who have actually like harmed you or people that you love. So she has a really powerful message. We were her last stop on her like 50 stop tour or something. So we were really lucky. So she has the book. See no stranger, and then she has a new book, sage Warrior.

[48:01] That's all about kind of how to be like a humble warrior, and she draws from all sorts of the traditional stories from the Sikh tradition. And then I wanted to share. And I'll just put this in the chat, Christian, unless you want this in an email. But modis is having another great event, a free event. Happening may 31, st it's a debut of their youth behind bars program and the reminders who are an amazing conscious hip, hop group from the Colorado Springs area are performing, and I would drive very far to see them, so I cannot wait for them to be back in Boulder. so would highly recommend that May 31, st they also had their

[49:08] monologues. They're undocumented monologues at the Boulder Valley Universalist Church, which is actually the the fellowship that my parents go to. So I was really felt very lucky to be in the room with them, and I'm really hopeful that they can continue to to have the unducky monologue series. Obviously there is some concern, and they're always going to be responsive to whether or not the undocumento will actually be willing to present their stories. But I think it was another really impactful events and surge standing up for racial justice. They were outside kind of monitoring to make sure that nobody was trying to enter unlawfully. So.

[50:04] looking forward to the event on the 31, st and their event at Boulder Valley. Uu was also really impactful. So just another plug. I like to plug them whenever I can. They also just lost their national endowment for the arts funding that was funding, I believe, to actually take this show on the road, this youth behind bars performance on the road, and it was $35,000. So if you know anybody that are looking to donate to impactful organizations that are promoting human relations, human rights, I would highly recommend them.

[51:14] Your universe muchas gracias in doses continue amosa estro siguiente punto que son untos de segumiento Cristian. Yes, and I believe I have. To apart from getting out the staff, update information as well as June events, I will. Carlos Aaron put you all in touch with Dr. Host, so that we can continue the conversation. Around that fall community dialogue and the interview game.

[52:02] And then please do be on the lookout for some communication of the trying to gauge folks's availability. For a appreciation for Jh. And ficker our outgoing commissioners, who are are sad to see. Go, but wish you the best. that's all. I got. M. A. Plazamientos Al paci cristian. I think that should be about it. No.

[53:03] Sip. Okay. Save. With terminamos en UN aura gracias a todos minuto del dia veinteve mayo necesitamos unamocion para terminal esta reunion. Why don't I do my last motion? I motion to end the meeting taking place. May 20, th 2025. I second your motion, figure. Bueno muchas novemos la proxima gracias fiki portodo vamos a extra rimiones.

[54:08] when I'm not just a toas.