Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Civil Rights topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident alleges repeated civil‑rights violations, asks commission to allow satanic programming at public park
Summary
Michael Joseph Pittman, a Palm Springs resident, used public comment to allege more than 17 civil‑rights violations locally and threatened litigation over access to Boys & Girls Club facilities and food-bank naming; he asked the Human Rights Commission to permit satanic programming and music at James O. Jessie Community Unity Park if Christian programs are present.
Michael Joseph Pittman, who introduced himself during public comment as a 61‑year‑old Palm Springs resident living with HIV, told the Human Rights Commission he has experienced “over 17 civil right violations” in the city and said he plans to sue local organizations over access and alleged mistreatment.
Pittman described a series of grievances, including being denied food in grocery stores and at what he called the “Find Food Bank,” and he identified entities and individuals by name in his statement. He said he was denied access to the Cool Center at James O. Jessie Community Unity Park for an hour and a half because of faith‑based Christian programs and said that if the commission does not act he will pursue litigation. “If you do not comply, I will sue,” Pittman said.
Pittman requested that the commission allow programs from a theistic or non‑theistic Satanist group at James O. Jessie Park and asked that “satanic music” be permitted where Christian music is played; he framed the request as a remedy for what he described as religious discrimination.
Commissioners did not debate the specifics of Pittman’s claims during the public comment period. The commission’s chair thanked him for his comments and moved on to the next agenda item. The commission’s procedural rules posted at the start of the meeting were reiterated, including a three‑minute limit for public commenters and a reminder that, under the Brown Act, the commission generally cannot take action on items not listed on the posted agenda.
The commission did not announce follow‑up steps on Pittman’s allegations during the meeting; the transcript contains no record of a staff response or a referral to legal counsel at that time. The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11 at 5:00 p.m., when members could choose to place related items on a future agenda.
