[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6529080,"mediaKeyId","3843077-c97d0ee2a81880e4e783e85790d1d87e","parentId",3843077,"title","Human Rights Commission elects Drew as vice chair, approves minutes and forms two working committees","audioSeconds",48,"startMs",3422000,"endMs",3470000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3843077-c97d0ee2a81880e4e783e85790d1d87e&start=3422&end=3470","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3843077-c97d0ee2a81880e4e783e85790d1d87e/thumbnail_3422000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6529080/Tulsa/Tulsa-County/Oklahoma/Human-Rights-Commission-elects-Drew-as-vice-chair-approves-minutes-and-forms-two-working-committees","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529080-3221bdf30102ec337614a5b002903ce6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195762&Signature=IPCFbiYc7XDUEiJWZ9cZ6ZnYgiLdH8WZRBk5m66syINulHEu5rlecUD1wQIq2totaXVKJBE6mpEQbMoY~RlIysv0gjOf8aWxgeXZfVGHU7Opj87HdZQPc8XkScYzLpRPec2FzkkSSydYJi6yP4k0I6YcIeZs8qn7kVQyIuh77l2k6Bnm4AN~dauNqAuV74km8pukkOTJEe2i1P57USe8RE770GilYtOvqcb3j-ynTIoJ3deioSJwppQeXMClazbHJWMbjw5eQKmETRdhf9L4hjNGcxH9RTk7z4cKGxuNL8rIx00Typw1-TanTqWOQ2mFVNOXWUwSTEEryYrpjjJxww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tulsa","date","2025-06-16T15:30:00Z","article","The commission voted to appoint Drew as vice chair for the remainder of 2025. After a motion and multiple seconds, the chair called for a voice vote: “Are we all in favor of Drew being the vice chair for the remainder of 2025? I am. Any opposed? Alright. Motion passed,” recording no opposition in the meeting transcript.

The commission also approved the April meeting minutes by voice vote; the May meeting had been canceled.

Committee formation and membership: Commissioners established two working groups to advance the commission’s 2025 goals. The first group will focus on modernizing and expanding public access to Human Rights Office resources and intake; the second will compile recommendations to increase diverse, equitable recruitment for city authorities, boards and commissions (ABCs).

Named members for the resources/accessibility committee included Drew France, Katie Ella Murray, Josh Starks, Tamika Rogers, Amanda Peregrina and Dave Walker (as recorded at the meeting). Members assigned to the ABC‑representation committee included Casey Box, Larissa McNeil, Desiree Edwards, Parisa Pilavar, Anthony Meadows and Anna (last name not specified in transcript). Commissioners agreed members could swap committee assignments and volunteers to act as group leads were discussed; Drew and others offered to coordinate logistics and to email group rosters.

Why it matters: The committees are intended to convert the commission’s previously adopted annual goals into actionable steps outside the monthly meeting, including working sessions and coordination with city staff (Lexi and the Chief Resilience Officer were named as staff contacts).

Meeting procedure note: The commission discussed allowing subcommittees to meet outside regular meeting times and clarified that subcommittee meetings need not be recorded; staff offered to reserve city rooms and support scheduling.

Ending: Members asked staff to circulate the committee rosters by email and to lock rooms or virtual options for working sessions before the next commission meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tulsa - Human Rights Commission - Jun 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Tulsa Human Rights Commission voted to appoint Drew as vice chair for the remainder of 2025, approved April meeting minutes, and assigned members to two working committees to address intake accessibility and equitable representation on city authorities, boards and commissions (ABCs).","taxTitle","Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma","taxId",2682,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6529085,"Commissioners urge public to weigh in as City Council prepares vote on expanded human‑rights ordinance",375,3250000,3625000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3843077-c97d0ee2a81880e4e783e85790d1d87e&start=3250&end=3625","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3843077-c97d0ee2a81880e4e783e85790d1d87e/thumbnail_3250000.jpg","/articles/6529085/Tulsa/Tulsa-County/Oklahoma/Commissioners-urge-public-to-weigh-in-as-City-Council-prepares-vote-on-expanded-humanrights-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529085-0f778638f096c6a98f7b50e474fe8d70/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195762&Signature=MVvYMzhW1EldItVV5pwtdh-O7xQhxAGVCs~2vrBfGhE8Ura0Npm1wFvQD4O2iPT401Y4EVrcYtEWxGw8AqILtQKfvECzGIYrulCmEw6ctVtKM32weHEX6gW0FBIkj8wY3ZQdndq~~2kI2n8GTBpfYgEQEjirsUu01SWuNGVnQbZV5QCV1y4jwHobfUaOjSqnAQQ-tC5d9AbLGoZUpSVgWK6qhcTH9waYauAbJKBI2GYzZw3BdkOZQqVaOGXImGl-K2Y2Bw9-arsqOY3eTKRPSEQcx-Q8ncq2klb-srPpPuMvkmUowrv2n9XyUsftlCBeqNgTigiy~RC1W2rC4Tf1Cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Josiah, outgoing vice chair of the Tulsa Human Rights Commission, told the commission that a City Council vote on a proposed human‑rights ordinance was scheduled this week that would extend public‑accommodation protections to include sexual orientation, gender identity and veteran status. “There is a vote coming up on Wednesday of this week for a human rights ordinance to actually update what we just went over including making extending protections and public accommodations based on ****** orientation, gender identity, and veteran status,” Josiah said.

Commissioners urged residents and commissioners to contact their city councilors in advance. A commission member said the committee hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. on the fourth floor at City Council Chambers and the council’s 5 p.m. meeting on Wednesday was identified as the primary opportunity for the full council to act. One commissioner who attended the council committee meeting encouraged colleagues to observe and offered to guide anyone who wanted to watch or be called to speak.

Why it matters: The change would be an amendment to city human‑rights protections and would be decided by City Council ordinance. The commission framed its role as advocacy and outreach—encouraging residents to contact councilors and, where appropriate, attend committee and council meetings to give testimony or observe the proceeding.

What the commission asked: Commissioners asked members to email or call their own councilors and, when possible, attend the committee meeting and the 5 p.m. council meeting. One commissioner who attended the committee meeting said they had already spoken in support and that seeing commission members in the audience can lead to opportunities to be called and provide remarks.

No ordinance number or text was read at the commission meeting; speakers referred to the item as a forthcoming ordinance and encouraged public engagement. The commission did not take a formal vote on the ordinance itself during this meeting.","Members of the Tulsa Human Rights Commission reported an upcoming City Council vote on an ordinance to expand human‑rights protections and encouraged residents to contact councilors; a committee hearing and a council meeting were scheduled this week.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6529089,"Tulsa human-rights staff say housing and ADA issues lead complaint trends; office pushes outreach and intake fixes",2524,510000,3034000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3843077-c97d0ee2a81880e4e783e85790d1d87e&start=510&end=3034","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3843077-c97d0ee2a81880e4e783e85790d1d87e/thumbnail_510000.jpg","/articles/6529089/Tulsa/Tulsa-County/Oklahoma/Tulsa-human-rights-staff-say-housing-and-ADA-issues-lead-complaint-trends-office-pushes-outreach-and-intake-fixes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529089-46396e0a2f1699d94934969e1c9cd5e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195762&Signature=DioGzy8xU0Y43O3EpZtwqwGUlX1ftgxOTrvllOjOk9osv4gSkPx2fEx9L7sDbtdL2hcIginO-0NOmR1ZF8qyHkgUUwFQSaQKubtAw~IAIxmrVWaERA2g7FisPCHS3XIO~1KOpAPmcFnZFNFOkuhTxd3eWynvzl0U-1BRGHT~JvzXDa1NFwjq2DHsy1lQNYskYR13Pw2uwyEla1akkx5dqQyy5Atn3D9aUBJWTxB2WGTWzmwM0uyFLscmul73MeSnn-SPzmfldQfU6XUEQa1tY0-omJj5JSxsEU46NwDZl~P32ZGzBpKVUaN2ewS41PoZ3JPByBhvShwww4N~2mLFVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","LaKendra, a Human Rights Office staff member, told the Tulsa Human Rights Commission that housing and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaints are the most frequent inquiries the office receives so far in 2025. “Housing is our biggest concern. I'm getting more ADA in housing,” LaKendra said during the commission meeting.

The report presented a condensed, two‑page snapshot of complaints for 2025 with a key explaining the office’s codes, case outcomes and a running tally of complaints. LaKendra said the totals appear low relative to need and that she suspects many people do not know where to file. “I don't know what we need to do…what we need to do to get the word out more as to what we do,” she said.

Why it matters: the Human Rights Office is the city’s local intake point for certain complaints that may implicate the federal Fair Housing Act or ADA protections. The office’s handling affects referral, investigation timelines and whether complaints receive city‑level follow up.

How complaints are entering the system: LaKendra described three intake paths. Complainants can (1) download and print a paper form from the city website and deliver it or mail it to the city clerk’s office for a wet (hand) signature, (2) call 311 for an intake and follow‑up, or (3) submit a short online intake through 311 that prompts Human Rights staff to contact the person. The office’s legal counsel has advised that, for now, the city requires a hard‑copy signature for formal filing—though LaKendra said the city is exploring an electronic signature option with legal, IT and budget review.

She warned that some complaints—especially housing disputes that have become legal landlord‑tenant fights—are beyond the office’s capacity and are routinely referred to legal aid. For ADA and public‑accommodation concerns (parks, businesses, curbs, curb ramps, street‑crossing devices), LaKendra said her office will often begin outreach immediately and coordinate with engineering, right‑of‑way and streets crews. She cautioned these fixes can take months because they require multiple departments and funding alignment.

On web and communications issues, LaKendra noted recent changes to departmental names and web structure have caused search errors when people Google the office. She said communications and IT are working on links and the office will keep following up.

Outreach and partnerships: commissioners and staff discussed past community engagement tactics (water‑bill inserts, in‑person tabling at events, TPS events, parades) and named partners who already help amplify fair‑housing and ADA messaging: the Fair Housing Committee, Tulsa Responds, the Financial Empowerment Center, MOSAIC (the Tulsa chamber diversity initiative), and local legal aid. LaKendra said a recent water‑bill insert about fair housing produced more inquiries.

Next steps and directions: LaKendra and commissioners agreed on several actions: staff will contact the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges to explore partnerships and trend data; reconnect with MOSAIC and the chamber; follow up with communications to fix the website intake links; pursue a budget and IT plan to allow electronic signatures; and consider a renewed outreach push (inserts, trusted messenger distribution) to raise public awareness about what the office accepts.

A specific neighborhood concern raised during the discussion involved missing sidewalks and hazardous walking conditions near 50th Place/129th Street (border area between Tulsa and Broken Arrow). LaKendra said the Human Rights Office would be a “good point person to start with” and that she would connect residents with Streets and the appropriate city councilor for follow‑up, but clarified that sidewalks and related public‑works fixes are handled outside her office.

Commissioners urged clearer website labeling for separate complaint forms (contract, housing, public accommodations, ADA grievance) and requested that staff share the intake slides and instructions used in the meeting. LaKendra said she would distribute the materials and continue monthly updates to track trends.

Ending: The Human Rights Office emphasized education — helping residents know where and how to file — as the key to increasing formal filings for legitimate grievances while continuing to triage cases that need legal referral.","City Human Rights staff presented a simplified complaint report showing housing and ADA concerns as the most common inquiries, described intake steps that currently require a signed paper form, and outlined outreach and technical fixes the office plans to pursue.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Human Rights Commission elects Drew as vice chair, approves minutes and forms two working committees

Commissioners urge public to weigh in as City Council prepares vote on expanded human‑rights ordinance

Tulsa human-rights staff say housing and ADA issues lead complaint trends; office pushes outreach and intake fixes