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5 <br /> 1 b. Human Relations Month Proclamation <br /> 2 The Board approved a proclamation designating February 2026 as Human Relations Month in <br /> 3 Orange County. <br /> 4 <br /> 5 BACKGROUND: Human Relations Month was established to promote understanding, respect, <br /> 6 and cooperation among people of diverse racial, cultural, and social backgrounds. The <br /> 7 observance emerged in the mid-20th century, during a period marked by significant social change <br /> 8 and growing national attention to civil rights, equity, and democratic participation. Its purpose is <br /> 9 to encourage reflection, dialogue, and action that strengthen relationships and foster inclusive <br /> 10 communities. <br /> 11 <br /> 12 Paul Slack introduced the following proclamation, and the Board read it in turn: <br /> 13 <br /> 14 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> 15 HUMAN RELATIONS MONTH PROCLAMATION <br /> 16 <br /> 17 WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners established the Human <br /> 18 Relations Commission in June 1987 with the desire to "encourage mutual understanding and fair <br /> 19 treatment of all citizens"; and <br /> 20 <br /> 21 WHEREAS, the Orange County Human Relations Commission believes that to achieve justice <br /> 22 and equal opportunity for all Orange County residents, we must all strive to create an atmosphere <br /> 23 where people are valued and accepted rather than merely tolerated; and <br /> 24 <br /> 25 WHEREAS, the Orange County Human Relations Commission, having diligently served Orange <br /> 26 County since 1987, still remains committed to promoting equal treatment, opportunity and <br /> 27 understanding throughout the county; and <br /> 28 <br /> 29 WHEREAS, the Orange County Human Relations Commission enforces the County's Civil Rights <br /> 30 Ordinance which specifically prohibits discrimination based on an individual' s race, color, creed, <br /> 31 religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, or <br /> 32 status with regard to public assistance; and <br /> 33 <br /> 34 WHEREAS, continued work is necessary to advance civil rights for all residents and to reduce <br /> 35 harm resulting from discrimination, disability, and systemic or institutional barriers that limit <br /> 36 individuals' access to fair and equal treatment; and <br /> 37 <br /> 38 WHEREAS, the Orange County Human Relations Commission and the Board of County <br /> 39 Commissioners affirm their responsibility to uphold civil rights and civil liberties and to respond to <br /> 40 emerging challenges that threaten these rights; and <br /> 41 <br /> 42 WHEREAS, the Orange County Human Relations Commission encourages residents to take an <br /> 43 active role in opposing injustice and to work together to ensure freedom, justice, and equal <br /> 44 opportunity for all; and <br /> 45 <br /> 46 WHEREAS, Orange County remains committed to progressing towards being a place with more <br /> 47 equitable and inclusive practices that strengthen the well-being of the entire community; <br /> 48 <br /> 49 NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim <br /> 50 February 2026 as "Human Relations Month" in Orange County, and call upon all residents to <br />