Utah Senate hosts Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission, student essay and keynote address

The Utah State Senate paused its floor business to hear the Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission during a Committee of the Whole. Palmer DePaulos and Tristan Smith introduced the commission’s work and the statewide Adopt‑a‑School essay contest.

Jalaise Faubert, the statewide essay winner, read her piece "My Dream," calling for safer streets, greater access to medical care and more affordable higher education. "My essay is called 'My dream. I have a dream. Actually, I have a few dreams,'" Faubert read, urging the Senate to consider opportunities for youth and families.

Tristan Smith then introduced Dr. Forrest Crawford, a longtime civil‑rights educator and advisor to the State King Commission. Crawford delivered the keynote, "Who will answer freedom's call?", reflecting on the King legacy, longstanding civil‑rights struggles and present obligations to the vulnerable. He challenged lawmakers to respond to homelessness, achievement gaps and barriers faced by new arrivals, and called for continued partnerships across state government and private industry to advance equality and opportunity.

Senators thanked the commission, commended the student winner, and excused the commission and guests before returning the body to business and adjourning for recess. The program combined civic commemoration with a call for policy attention to persistent social challenges.

Quotes in this report are attributed to participants as spoken during the Committee of the Whole. The student’s essay was read in full on the floor; excerpts were recorded in the Senate transcript.

The Senate reconvened its schedule after dissolving the Committee of the Whole and took a brief recess until 2 p.m.