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Tuolumne supervisors adopt equal‑protection resolution after hours of public comment and substitutes
Summary
After more than two hours of public testimony and multiple substitute motions, the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution affirming equal protection and opposing discrimination and hate‑motivated violence. The board approved a substitute draft authored by Supervisor Kirk on a 3‑0 vote with two abstentions.
The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a resolution affirming equal protection under the Constitution and opposing discrimination and violence against county residents, after a lengthy public hearing that drew dozens of speakers on both sides of the issue.
Supervisor Ryan Campbell brought the item to the board, framing it as a statement of support for law enforcement’s prosecution of hate crimes and a response to recent incidents in the county. "What this basically does is affirm that we support law enforcement in prosecuting hate crimes that occur in our community," Campbell said during debate.
Public comment was extensive and emotional. Supporters—including residents who said they or their relatives had experienced bias or threats—urged the board to adopt clear language stating that violence against marginalized groups will not be tolerated. Opponents said the draft singled out particular communities and urged a broader, constitutional approach. "If you vote against this, you should have to explain exactly which group you think isn't worthy of that vote," one speaker said, urging supervisors to protect minorities.
After several substitute motions and edits, Supervisor Jaren Kirk offered a replacement resolution that emphasized the Fourteenth Amendment’s equal‑protection clause and struck some of the group‑specific language that had divided the board. Kirk argued the substitute was intended to cover "all people" and to avoid the appearance of singled‑out treatment. The board adopted Kirk’s substitute by a three‑to‑zero recorded vote, with Supervisors Campbell and Brandon recording abstentions.
County officials said the adopted resolution is symbolic and does not create new law or change prosecutorial authority; instead, it is intended to send a public message about community values. The resolution directs county agencies to emphasize collection and reporting of hate‑incidents data and expresses support for victims while reaffirming existing legal protections.
The action represents the board’s attempt to respond publicly to a local assault and a broader debate in the community about safety and inclusion. Staff noted the county’s duty to remain neutral in ongoing criminal investigations and urged that the resolution avoid prejudicing any case.
The resolution passed 3–0, with Supervisors Holland, Griefer and Kirk voting yes and Supervisors Campbell and Brandon abstaining. The board also committed to follow‑up work on data reporting and public outreach to ensure protections and resources for affected residents.
