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4 <br /> that the plan is in line with what the board has been trying to do for the last 20 years, that the <br /> county needs affordable housing, and there will still be green space still available. <br /> 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations <br /> a. Resolution Supporting Orange County Schools <br /> The Board considered adopting a resolution supporting Orange County Schools. <br /> BACKGROUND: Orange County School's 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 <br /> to Address Harm Caused to Students by Incidents of Hostile and Racist Behavior, <br /> Orange County School's staff and students attested to the emotional and psychological <br /> harm done by the protestors. <br /> As stated in Section 12-3 of the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance, the policy of <br /> Orange County is to promote the equal treatment of all individuals; to prohibit <br /> discrimination in Orange County based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, <br /> disability, familial status, and veteran status; to protect residents' lawful interests and <br /> their personal dignity so as to make available to the County their full productive and <br /> creative capacities, and to prevent public and domestic strife, crime, and unrest within <br /> 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 <br /> discourse and behavior, and support students and school staff. The resolution also <br /> proposes that the Department of Human Rights and Relations and the Human Relations <br /> Commission study and recommend measures that will promote civility among all groups <br /> in the County. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton reviewed the background information for the item. She said she <br /> and Commissioner Richards worked on the resolution in response to the events that happened <br /> in Orange County Schools. There were protests by parents, but also by members of the Proud <br /> Boys, where there was intimidation and hostile and racial comments that caused students and <br /> staff to feel unsafe. She said it is important for the Board to recognize what happened and to <br /> support the schools to foster a civil environment and a positive school climate. She read a <br /> quote by Marian Wright Edleman, founder of Children's Defense Fund: "a nation that does not <br /> stand for its children does not stand for anything and will not stand tall in the future". She said <br /> the future prosperity of the county and nation depends on children's education and children <br /> can't learn in an environment of fear and intimidation. She said adults may disagree about <br /> curriculum and public health measures, but must disagree in a civil manner that respects <br /> individual differences and upholds a school climate that supports learning and emotional health <br /> for all students as well as teachers and staff. She indicated adults must model what a civil <br /> society looks like, and that this resolution says how the Board will do their part and support the <br /> schools. <br /> Commissioner Richards said she would underscore the fact this resolution is not <br /> intended to quell civil discourse of parents and input from the community around schools. She <br /> hopes that commissioners, in support of this, can make sure this is communicated. She said <br /> there is a role for parents to be involved and engaged and encourage parental involvement and <br /> support for schools. She said it is all about how that is done and the respect and modeling of <br />