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Oviedo council adopts Central Florida pledge committing to oppose discrimination

City of Oviedo City Council · December 16, 2025

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Summary

The Oviedo City Council adopted a resolution endorsing the Central Florida pledge to oppose persecution and promote dignity for all residents. A visiting faith leader urged council to add the IHRA working definition of antisemitism to a future agenda; mayor agreed to consider it in January.

The Oviedo City Council on Dec. 15 adopted a resolution affirming the citys support for a Central Florida pledge to oppose persecution and value residents regardless of faith, race, gender, ethnicity or identity.

The resolution, read aloud during the ceremonial portion of the meeting, pledges that the city will treat people with dignity, refrain from inflammatory words or actions, report threatening incidents and educate the community about forms of discrimination including antisemitism, homophobia, Islamophobia and racism.

Doctor Joel Hunter, introduced at the meeting as a guest speaker, praised Oviedo for being an early adopter in Seminole County and said the pledge helps establish a civic climate that protects free speech while encouraging respect. "City government isn't just for passing policy; it's responsible to set the entire climate and culture of the city," he said.

Rabbi Maurice Capra of the Jewish Community Relations Council (Shalom Orlando) later used the public-comment period to urge council to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. Capra said nearby jurisdictions have adopted the definition and submitted it to the mayor for Council consideration. Mayor Sladek agreed to put the proposal on the Jan. 2026 agenda for council consideration.

The resolution does not create a new enforcement mechanism; it is a statement of values and includes commitments to report threatening incidents and to pursue community education.

The councils approval of the pledge was part of a larger ceremonial segment that also recognized the Oviedo High School state-champion volleyball team.