07/13/1981 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ Baruch Fischhoff, President, Human Rights Council, stated that the Human Rights e Councll extends its strongest possible recommendation in favor of passage of the proposed anti-harassment ordinance. The City Council has shown great leadership in initiating the ordinance and great sensitivity in involving varied community groups in its creation. On behalf of the many groups whose interests they try to represent, the Human Rights Council is grateful for having been included in the processes. They also appreciate the careful attention given to this matter by the Police Department, City Manager's Office, City Attorney's Office, and the Human Rights staff. He stated that now is the time to complete the process by approving the proposed ordinance. In doing so, the City Council will send a clear and lasting signal that Eugene has no place for intolerance, that Eugene's strength is in the diversity of its citizens and their ability to make unique contributions, and that a few cowardly acts will not turn the City against itself. For those who may consider opposing this ordinance, the Human Rights Council would ask them to remember that this ordinance does not confer special privileges, does not mandate Affirmative Action, nor even ban discimination. All it does is forbid acts of violence and against fellow citizens. Regarding those who like the ordinance, but would restrict its scope by excluding from it one group or another, the Human Rights Council felt that such an exclusion would constitute a form of approval to some of the worst el~ments of society to harass groups X or Y, implying that they are second-class citizens, not worthy of the protection afforded to other groups. The Human Rights Council urges the City Council to take a strong stand on this issue as it has on other human rights issues. That stand will show those protected by the ordinance that their welfare is of utmost concern. It will also show the few who are causing this trouble that it is time to reconsider their views and learn to tolerate and enjoy all of their fellows. By an active leadership, the City Council can make e everyone stronger and prouder than before this business began. Coralie Washington, NAACP, stated that Martha Green had received another letter which frightened her and her children. In addition, the Greens' tires were punctured. She and others in the NAACP are glad the City Council is working for a better community. The Ku Klux Klan or others perpetrating these deeds should know that Eugene cares about its minorities. She hopes the ordinance will be passed. Jose de la Pena, Eugene Commission on the Rights of Minorities, said that the commission endorses passage of the proposed amendments to Sections 4.735 and 4.990 of the Eugene City Code. The Minority Commission has received endorsements for passage of this ordinance from groups and individuals representing the Asian, Hispanic, Indian, and Black communities. It is the commission's belief that with the passage of these amendments, the City will have re-emphasized its commitment to protect groups and individuals from acts of intimidation based upon their group status. The Minority Commission recognizes the fact that these proposed amendments are only one means of responding to future acts of intimida- tion, and that community education, awareness, and assistance are vital elements in an overall program designed to combat intimidation and to foster the quality of life sought by all Eugeneans. The commission respectively recommends passage of the ordinance. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 13, 1981 Page 2