Orange County NC Website
1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: November 4, 2021 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-a <br /> SUBJECT: Resolution Supporting Orange County Schools <br /> DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Draft Resolution Commissioner Jean Hamilton, 919-245- <br /> 2130 <br /> Commissioner Anna Richards, 919-245- <br /> 2130 <br /> PURPOSE: To review and approve a resolution supporting Orange County Schools. <br /> BACKGROUND: Orange County Schools Board of Education meetings and events in <br /> September and October were disrupted by protestors displaying hostile and intimidating <br /> behavior including racist and homophobic language. In an October 11, 2021 Resolution to <br /> Address Harm Caused to Students by Incidents of Hostile and Racist Behavior, Orange <br /> County Schools staff and students attested to the emotional and psychological harm done <br /> by the protestors. <br /> As stated in Section 12-3 of the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance, the policy of Orange <br /> County is to promote the equal treatment of all individuals; to prohibit discrimination in <br /> Orange County based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, familial <br /> status, and veteran status; to protect residents' lawful interests and their personal dignity <br /> so as to make available to the County their full productive and creative capacities, and to <br /> prevent public and domestic strife, crime, and unrest within Orange County. <br /> The attached resolution commits to working with Orange County Schools, the Orange <br /> County Sheriff's Office, and the broader community to promote peaceful and civil discourse <br /> and behavior, and support students and school staff. The resolution also proposes that the <br /> Department of Human Rights and Relations and the Human Relations Commission study <br /> and recommend measures that will promote civility among all groups in the County. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to <br /> this item: <br /> • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND <br /> INEQUITY <br /> The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; <br /> religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or <br />