Tulsa Human Rights Commission adopts new process for calls to action and approves civic-engagement goals
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Summary
The commission voted to require title 5 liaisons to submit calls to action by the second Monday of the month at noon and approved two year-long goals to increase diverse representation on city boards and modernize the human-rights complaint process; both goals will be pursued simultaneously with outreach added to goal 1.
The Tulsa Human Rights Commission approved changes to its operational processes and a set of civic-engagement goals after a lengthy discussion about accessibility and community outreach. Commissioners voted to require title 5 liaisons and representatives to notify city staff by the second Monday of each month at 12:00 p.m. if they plan to raise a "call to action" so it can be included on the upcoming meeting agenda.
"They would be on the agenda," the commission chair stated during the discussion, describing the new requirement that calls to action and any supplementary materials be included with meeting materials in advance. Commissioners said the change aims to make meetings more efficient and allow members time to prepare substantive responses.
The commission also approved two year-long goals: (1) increase diverse representation and equitable recruitment practices across all City of Tulsa authorities, boards and commissions (ABCs); and (2) improve resident access to the city Department of Resilience and Equity's resources by modernizing and removing barriers from the human-rights complaint filing process. Members agreed the goals should be pursued simultaneously, with goal 1 designated the priority and an outreach-and-education objective added to that goal.
Commissioners discussed barriers to filing complaints, including a described requirement that complainants physically sign forms at city offices. Several commissioners recommended meeting with the city auditor to identify structural or policy obstacles and to explore modernization options such as online filing or reduced in-person requirements. "In 2025, is it really necessary to be physically present in this building and physically sign a document?" one commissioner asked during the discussion.
Formal motions were made and passed by voice vote on multiple items: approving the minutes from the prior meeting, accepting the revised operational-processes document, and approving the goals and action plan with the outreach objective added to goal 1. Commissioners agreed to form subcommittees as needed and to coordinate with the city auditor and other departments to advance implementation.
Next steps noted on the record include scheduling a meeting with the city auditor to review the complaint process, drafting a demographic survey for ABCs to gather baseline data on representation, and developing committee charters for the work groups that will support each goal.
