Exciting News: On Tuesday November 1st, Athens-Clarke County commissioners approved the possible creation of a “human relations” committee to address claims of discrimination in the community. “In the same vote, commissioners approved an anti-discrimination ordinance aimed at downtown Athens bars.”
What the commission approved was a calling for the county attorney’s office and the county manager’s office to “explore ways to create a more inclusive and welcoming community through the creation of a government-appointed and operated citizen ‘human relations’ committee, through partnering with an established local entity, or through some other mechanism.” The County Attorney, Bill Berryman and County Manager, Blaine Williams must submit recommendations to the Mayor and Commission by Dec 31th, 2016.
AADM and local citizens must take pride in our accomplishments, celebrate our victories, still yet keep an eye on the main goal. The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement is pleased with the overall outcome but the the fight is not over until this citizen committee is established.
What’s Next?: Collect data, factual stories, and public input. Fill out or share ACRC Campaign discrimination survey!
Below is the original copy of the petition:
PETITION: Call for the Creation of a Civil Rights Committee
Athens-Clarke County Mayor Nancy Denson and Commissioners:
We, the undersigned, call upon the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission to incorporate into the proposed Anti-Discrimination Ordinance a Civil Rights Committee (previously referred to as a Human Relations Commission) whose task it is to review and recommend action on issues and concerns related to human rights and civil rights.
The county can no longer ignore the discrimination occurring in Athens. The county’s proposed Anti-Discrimination Ordinance is one step in fighting discrimination in downtown bar establishments on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or pregnancy.
However, a Civil Rights Committee is critical to ensure that the proposed ordinance is effectively enforced. The purpose of this committee should be to hear and judge validity of claims of discrimination; collect and analyze data relating to issues of discrimination/harassment; monitor actions of appropriate governmental bodies in addressing discrimination/harassment claims; issue official findings which may be referenced in a court of law; and make recommendations on actions to be taken by the county, such as mediation or the suspending of alcohol or business licenses.
This should be a diverse committee representative of the people most vulnerable to discrimination in our community. An Athens Civil Rights Committee, formed by the Board of Commissioners, in partnership with the community, would develop trust and participation with disenfranchised citizens and address the broader challenges our community faces.
Petition Closed.. Thank You for your efforts!