Human Rights Commission approves $500 for Pride "Silver Circle," backs UO Human Rights Center letter and forwards ad hoc statement to council

The Eugene Human Rights Commission voted to award $500 to the Silver Circle sobriety zone at Eugene Pride, approved a letter of support for the University of Oregon Human Rights Center and authorized an ad hoc statement to be sent to City Council and read publicly.

The Silver Circle organizer, who identified themself as JD, told the commission the project creates a staffed, low-barrier space at Pride for people seeking sobriety supports and family-friendly respite from festival crowds. JD asked for $2,000 to cover activities, supplies and to help organizations that do not accept donations directly, including 12-step groups. Commissioner discussion focused on the commission’s limited event budget and upcoming requests, and members moved to cut the request to $500. The motion passed by voice vote.

The commission also approved a draft letter of support for a Human Rights Center at the University of Oregon. The letter, prepared after a student presentation at a prior meeting, was read on-screen during the meeting; commissioners moved to “deliver as written” and the motion passed by voice vote.

Separately, the commission approved an ad hoc committee’s statement on current federal actions and directed staff to transmit that statement to the City Council. The commission also authorized a representative to read the statement at a council meeting and asked staff to prepare a cover memo presenting possible next steps; that motion likewise passed by voice vote.

Votes at a glance

- Silver Circle (Eugene Pride): Motion to award $500 to JD’s Silver Circle sober space; outcome: approved by voice vote. (Request originally $2,000; commission amended amount to $500.)

- University of Oregon Human Rights Center: Motion to approve a letter of support and deliver it as written; outcome:…