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Council invites Reparatory Justice Commission to present final report; public commenters urge funding and concrete actions
Summary
The Common Council adopted Resolution 2615 acknowledging completion of the Reparatory Justice Commission's final report and invited a formal presentation June 8; public speakers and several council members urged concrete funding, measurable outcomes and cross-jurisdictional coordination.
The South Bend Common Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2615, acknowledging completion of the Reparatory Justice Commission's final report and inviting the commission to present its findings to the council at a June 8 meeting.
Kenneth Lee, who read portions of the resolution, said the report will be presented under the agenda item "special business" and noted portions of the commission’s work fall under other standing committees. "The report has not yet been formally presented to the common council, and this proposed resolution acknowledges the completion of the report and invites the commission to make a formal presentation," Lee said.
Three members of the public spoke during the public hearing, urging clear next steps and resources. Pastor Stephanie Kraton Maryfield of 305 South Lake Street said reparative steps are customary in faith traditions and urged courage and action. "We are asking for no more than that and no less than that," she said. Tiana Batisadell urged the council to outline measurable outcomes, accountability structures and intentional funding mechanisms tied to the upcoming budget season: "We cannot continue to do the same thing. We have to change things systemically." Gilbert Washington thanked the commission and urged the council to "move forward, not backwards."
Council members praised the commission’s research and multi-year engagement, said the report includes deep historical context and recommended committee-level follow-up. Several members urged coordination with other local bodies — including schools and county offices — to act on recommendations. The council moved and passed Resolution 2615 by recorded vote (nine affirmative votes), and scheduled the commission’s formal presentation for June 8, 2026.
The resolution does not itself appropriate funds or adopt specific policy actions; public commenters repeatedly urged the council to identify funding sources and performance measures when the report is presented.
