Commission names inaugural Jude Walton Social Justice Symposium, authorizes outreach committee to organize

The Ann Arbor Independent Community Police Oversight Commission on Jan. 28 voted unanimously to name an inaugural community event the “Jude Walton Social Justice Symposium” and authorized the outreach committee to begin preparations for a May 2025 date.

Why it matters: The symposium is intended as an ongoing, commission‑sponsored public forum on social‑justice topics; the outreach committee plans panels with speakers from research, housing, youth services and other community sectors.

What the commission did

• Motion and vote: A motion to name the inaugural event the Jude Walton Social Justice Symposium, to schedule it in May 2025 (the outreach committee will confirm a specific Thursday in May) and to authorize the outreach committee to proceed with planning was moved and seconded during the meeting and carried unanimously. The meeting record does not specify the mover and seconder by full name on the audio transcript; the motion was recorded and adopted by voice vote: “Aye … The motion carries unanimously.”

• Logistics and scope: Commissioner Francis, chair of the outreach committee, told commissioners she had reserved a venue option (Malletts Creek program room), aims for a program of three to four presenters plus a moderated panel, and is seeking diverse speakers representing research, community organizations, housing and youth work. The commission authorized the committee to finalize arrangements and to contact potential panelists; commissioners indicated a willingness to participate and to provide quotes for local media coverage.

Direct context from the meeting

• Outreach plans: Commissioner Francis said she will circulate a short questionnaire for commissioners to provide a headshot and a brief personal statement for a planned commission-profile series on social media.

• Budget: Commissioners noted a small outreach budget may be available for stipends or honoraria; final budget and speaker invitations will be handled by the outreach committee.

Ending: The motion passed by voice vote with no “nay” recorded; the outreach committee will circulate date and speaker proposals to commissioners in coming weeks.