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Tamarac commission declares city 'anti-bullying, anti-hate' in 5-0 vote after broad public support
Summary
The commission unanimously adopted a resolution introduced by Commissioner Crystal Patterson directing staff to develop policies and initiatives to reduce bullying and hate; dozens of residents and community groups testified in favor during a lengthy public-comment period.
The Tamarac City Commission unanimously adopted a resolution on April 9 declaring the city an "anti-bullying, anti-hate" community and directing staff to propose policies and programs to implement the change.
"This legislation is a statement that Tamarac will not tolerate hate in any form," Commissioner Crystal Patterson told the commission during the item's introduction. Patterson called the resolution timely given reported increases in hateful rhetoric and incidents nationwide and locally and urged colleagues to support the measure.
More than a dozen residents and community leaders testified in favor of the resolution during an extended public-comment period. Supporters included local educators, longtime residents and advocates for seniors and people with disabilities who said the measure would strengthen existing city programs and encourage civility. "Bullying words and actions hurt and can never be taken back," said Camilla Hack, a retired municipal official who moved to Tamarac and spoke in support. Student testimony noted consequences of bullying in and out of school.
Opponents who spoke at public comment raised free-speech concerns and urged clearer definitions and enforcement mechanisms; some speakers said existing city codes and ethics rules already prohibit abusive behavior.
The resolution passed on a 5-0 voice roll call (Mayor Michelle J. Gomez and Commissioners Bolton, Wright, Patterson, Vice Mayor Keisha Daniel voting yes). The resolution directs staff to propose initiatives and policies consistent with the declaration and to return to the commission with implementation options.
Ending: Commissioners said they plan to workshop the staff proposals and asked city staff to include enforcement language and educational programming in the next draft.
