Item C: City Council Priority Issue - Communities of Color Meeting Debrief

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Another said that litigation helps too – win some cases – will get attention Another said that media working too – litigation is slow – need to get together to change policies Another said communication yes - what is the media message though – we’re not getting the message out Another said we’ll do the groundwork but need you (Councilor Ortiz) to step up Councilor Ortiz said she was personally stepping up - past egregious issues like Temple Beth Israel vandalism – go to watch and protect – stood up against desecration – City Council can’t interfere with city employee issues – sometimes would like to – elaborate on the African TRC model Another said that each of us has a position – some typecast in race role – Eugene’s history includes KKK and may still be Klansmen in town – LCC example of racism (alluded to incident but no names or specifics) - who has need to know – if there’s internal racism in City, City can’t admit racial profiling for insurance reasons – but it was – NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement) study found 100 black officers shot/killed by white colleagues – in EPD blacks were not hired before Magana because they were not military enough – more community-minded – now say “lowered standards” to hire minorities – Stan Lee, black officer, going up the ladder but couldn’t advance because of subjective criteria, couldn’t get drug enforcement assignment – Moose came in to change institutional criteria – the TRC model allows testimony and opinion outside of roles – honestly – Eugene’s past includes 5 Japanese sent to interment with okay of City Council – TRC allows for immunity for telling the truth Another asked where this would take place. Another responded that it could happen in the City Council chambers ongoing Another asked Councilor Ortiz what is commitment and limitations of City and Council Councilor Ortiz responded that for her, 2-fold – recognize all and help educate other councilors – everyone’s experience is different/unique – interaction and contact with other communities is helpful and educational – people tend to group with familiar folks – important to interact so when community groups come to City Council the councilors have better understanding Another said that when he spoke with a Councilor it seemed like he had to do lot of ‘backfill’ history education and the amount of backfill to have a dialogue is too much. Another said there are certain people at the table all the time – City should go out to community – do surveys – lots of new diversity coming to town – do some outreach Another suggested having an open forum Communities of Color 33 July 12, 2006