As unrest and tragedy unfolds across the nation, we've come to realize as a City we are not without scars of inequality and injustice. Our great City of Oklahoma City is embracing courageous conversations with those most impacted by racism, however courageous actions must follow suit. Then and only then can the City "improve the quality of life for every Oklahoma City resident" through housing, accessibility, education, employment and business opportunities in addition to public safety matters.

A majority of Americans believe in and support human rights. This is evident as 67 of the largest 100 cities in the United States use a board or commission to investigate, educate, and enforce human and civil rights. Although we are one of the top 25 largest cities, the Oklahoma City is not one of those cities with an established human rights board or commission. At one time, there was a Human Rights Commission but it was disbanded about 25 years ago. If now isn't the time for our City to recommit to the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person, how and when might we, our neighbors, our communities experience reconciliation and rectification? 

In our increasingly diverse city, there is important work to be done. We recognize that our City cannot do it all on its own, however it can catalyze change. We are asking on June 9th and June 16th during regularly scheduled City Council meetings, where next year's budget will be discussed, for the City's commitment and allocation of appropriate resources to the following actions:

Firstly, the formation of an external exploratory committee to research, evaluate and report where we are as a City related to human rights (2020-2021).

Second, the implementation of a training program for City employees that focuses on racial sensitivity and provides equity tools appropriate for every department (2020-ongoing).

Third, the re-establishment of an appointed Human Rights Commission (HRC) that educates local government and officials and the public about international human rights standards; assess local policy and practice in light of international standards; investigate human rights complaints; and issue recommendations and guidance encouraging, permitting, or requiring governmental agencies to consider and integrates human rights principles and standards when creating new policies (2021-ongoing). every department (2021-ongoing).

Lastly, the creation of a Human Rights and Economic Opportunity Department that collects information and reports on human rights compliance at the local level; incorporates human rights principles into programs and services; initiates advocacy efforts and partnerships; works with the HRC to investigate human rights complaints, issue recommendations and guidance encouraging, permitting, or requiring city government to consider and integrate human rights principles and standards when creating new policies (2021-ongoing).

These actions will strengthen safe, secure, and thriving neighborhoods; achieve social justice; institute high standards within all city services; promote community wellness; improve fiscal management; and advance a strong economy.

Preamble

"Our priorities are grounded in the lessons of the City’s history and the values of inclusiveness, mutual respect and self-reliance that are the hallmarks of our future. We will be responsive to our residents’ needs as we address these priorities and continue to deliver what we promise. Our focus is to improve the quality of life for every Oklahoma City resident."

As a City, our officials can deliver on their promises and together, we can champion justice and equity by confronting issues of discrimination and providing innovative avenues for accessibility and economic opportunities for all residents and businesses. By doing so, we advance our City's priorities and make a better OKC.