HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 11-04-2021; 4-a - Resolution Supporting Orange County Schools 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 4, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Resolution Supporting Orange County Schools
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Resolution Commissioner Jean Hamilton, 919-245-
2130
Commissioner Anna Richards, 919-245-
2130
PURPOSE: To review and approve a resolution supporting Orange County Schools.
BACKGROUND: Orange County Schools Board of Education meetings and events in
September and October were disrupted by protestors displaying hostile and intimidating
behavior including racist and homophobic language. In an October 11, 2021 Resolution to
Address Harm Caused to Students by Incidents of Hostile and Racist Behavior, Orange
County Schools staff and students attested to the emotional and psychological harm done
by the protestors.
As stated in Section 12-3 of the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance, the policy of Orange
County is to promote the equal treatment of all individuals; to prohibit discrimination in
Orange County based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, familial
status, and veteran status; to protect residents' lawful interests and their personal dignity
so as to make available to the County their full productive and creative capacities, and to
prevent public and domestic strife, crime, and unrest within Orange County.
The attached resolution commits to working with Orange County Schools, the Orange
County Sheriff's Office, and the broader community to promote peaceful and civil discourse
and behavior, and support students and school staff. The resolution also proposes that the
Department of Human Rights and Relations and the Human Relations Commission study
and recommend measures that will promote civility among all groups in the County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
2
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board review and approve a
resolution supporting Orange County Schools.
RES-2021-065 DRAFT 3
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE STUDENTS, STAFF,AND BOARD OF EDUCATION OF ORANGE
COUNTY SCHOOLS WHOSE SCHOOL CLIMATE HAS BEEN ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY
PROTESTORS
WHEREAS, Orange County Schools is located in the northern and western part of the county and
serves more than 7,400 students and approximately 800 teachers and administrative staff; and
WHEREAS, respect for diversity and emotional and physical safety are central elements in the Safe
and Supportive Learning Environments adopted by the US Department of Education in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Orange County Schools Board of Education meetings and events in September and
October were disrupted by protestors displaying hostile and intimidating behavior including racist
and homophobic language; and
WHEREAS,in the Resolution to Address Harm Caused to Students by Incidents of Hostile and Racist
Behavior, passed by the Orange County Schools Board of Education on October 11, 2 02 1, staff and
students attested to the emotional and psychological harm done by the protestors; and
WHEREAS, as stated in Section12-3 of the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance, the policy of
Orange County is to promote the equal treatment of all individuals; to prohibit discrimination in
Orange County based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, familial status, and
veteran status; to protect residents' lawful interests and their personal dignity so as to make
available to the County their full productive and creative capacities, and to prevent public and
domestic strife, crime, and unrest within Orange County; and
WHEREAS,the Orange County Human Relations Commission was established by the Orange County
Board of Commissioners to make recommendations designed to promote goodwill and harmony
among all groups in the County;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners
(BOCC) shall work with Orange County Schools, the Orange County Sheriff's Office,and the broader
community to promote peaceful and civil discourse and behavior, and support our students and
school staff; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County BOCC calls upon the Orange County Department
of Human Rights and Relations and the Human Relations Commission to continue to study and
recommend to the Orange County BOCC, within the next six months, measures that will promote
civility among all groups in the County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners directs the Clerk to the Board to share
this resolution with the Orange County Schools, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, the Orange
County Sheriff's Office, and the towns of Hillsborough, Mebane, Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
This the 4th day of November, 2021.
Renee A. Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners