Human Rights Commission - February 20, 2025
The Regular Meeting of the Human Rights Commission of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The Human Rights Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Xavier Welty, Ritchell Aboah, Tambah Saah, Cody Severson, Sekou Sirleaf (virtual), Zoe Absey, Carolyn Becraft.
Absent: Kristin Nelson, Aaron Kawreh, Nancy Boyle, Courtney Kronback.
Other attendees: John Strand, City Commissioner, Michael Redlinger and Brenda Derrig, City Administration.
Item 1. Welcome and introductions:
o The meeting was called to order by Cody (Sekou was virtual).
o Attendees introduced themselves and their roles.
Item 2. Approve or amend agenda:
o A motion was made by Carolyn to approve the agenda.
o A second was made by Zoe.
o The motion passed unanimously.
Item 3. Approval of January 16, 2025 meeting minutes:
o A motion was made by Zoe to approve minutes of the January 16, 2025 meeting.
o A second was made by Carolyn.
o The motion passed unanimously.
Item 4. Legislative Update:
o Attorney Christina Sambor, the NDHRC Lobbyist, provided a Legislative update.
o She discussed key bills that they are monitoring.
o Discussion included:
o On landlord obligations and tenant rights regarding one of the House bills, Cody Schuler, ACLU of ND, elaborated on the details of the bill.
Item 5. Strategic Planning Date:
o A Doodle Poll was sent out to schedule a strategic planning session, but there was low response.
o It was decided to send out additional dates for consideration for the last three weeks in March.
o Courtney Kronback offered to facilitate the session.
o A virtual option will be available.
Item 6. MLK Day Recap:
o Zoe provided a recap of the MLK Day event, noting good turnout despite the cold weather and the success of the human rights ceremony.
o Zoe and Fred did a recap with Valley News Live on their podcast.
o The Commission discussed planning for next year’s awards, including potential art pieces for recipients.
o Juneteenth planning was announced, with an invitation for HRC members to participate.
Item 7. Social Media Engagement:
o Sekou discussed the need to increase HRC’s social media presence.
o The Commission discussed starting with a goal of posting once a month or bi-monthly along with topics.
o Availability was discussed for contributing to the social media engagement.
Item 8. Know Your Rights Presentation:
o Cody Schuler from the ACLU of ND provided a presentation clarifying his role as advocacy manager and not legal counsel, emphasizing that his statements should not be taken as legal advice.
o He highlighted the illegality of private citizens providing legal immigration advice.
o General information and directing people to official resources (uscis.gov) or sharing personal experiences are permissible.
o Key "Know Your Rights" points when approached by ICE or law enforcement were outlined.
o Advice was given to keep immigration documents and attorney contact information readily available.
o These rights apply regardless of immigration status.
o The ACLU encourages staying informed and preparing a safety plan.
o Discussion on local law enforcement's role in federal immigration law.
o Discussed guidance for schools.
o Reports of birth certificate audits in unnamed school districts were mentioned with concern regarding the timing.
o Cody offered to provide a list of resources, including those from the Interfaith Alliance of North Dakota.
Item 9. Nonprofit Discussion:
o This was delayed until the next meeting.
Item 10. Administrative update:
o No update.
Item 11. Announcements:
o No announcements.
Item 12. Public comment:
o No public comment.
Next meeting:
o March 20, 2025 at noon.
Adjourn:
o The meeting adjourned at 12:57 o’clock p.m.
Note: These minutes are a summary of the key points discussed during the meeting. For a more detailed record, refer to the audio recording of the meeting.