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