Palo Alto HRC reviews proposed antisemitism and Islamophobia training after extended public comment

The Palo Alto Human Relations Commission on July 10 reviewed a proposed religious-tolerance training — jointly developed by Project Shema and the Islamic Networks Group (ING) — that city staff say is intended for city employees, council members and boards and commissions. Staff described the training as voluntary, in-person, not recorded and roughly 120 minutes in length; the session cost is about $10,000 plus reimbursable travel split between the two organizations.

Commission Chair Stemmler said the training grew out of HRC listening sessions that began in 2023 and a council-confirmed recommendation. Deputy City Manager Chantelle Cotton Gaines and Wellness and Belonging Project Manager Kojo Pierce presented the scope and selection process to the commission and answered clarifying questions before public comment.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the training aims to equip city leaders with tools to recognize and respond to antisemitism and Islamophobia in a way that improves service to Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Palestinian and Israeli residents. Speakers at the meeting urged that the training be narrowly tailored, measured for impact and, in many comments, strongly encouraged or required for…