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COMMISSIONER MARIA RODRIGUEZ ITEM #1: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE DRAFT OF A RESOLUTION CONDEMNING ISLAMOPHOBIA.
Summary Explanation and Background
SUMMARY EXPLANATION AND BACKGROUND:
1. Through my work with the Muslim students’ association, I was notified of other cities adopting resolutions condemning islamophobia, considered before the adoption of Section 166.04971, Florida Statutes, prohibiting DEI. The City has previously adopted a resolution condemning antisemitism.
2. Given the recently enacted DEI statute, the CAO set about to review and to research the impact of City proclamations, resolutions, and official action. That research resulted in the CAO’s publication of its Memo No. 2026-041, dated 4/1/2026, and Memo No. 2026-054, dated 5/5/2026, attached hereto (the ‘memos’). I inquired about the adoption of a resolution condemning islamophobia and received a response from the CAO, dated 8/11/26, attached hereto (the ‘email’).
3. Based upon the CAO memos and email, and the conclusions reached therein, Commissioner Rodriguez will move that the Commission authorize and direct the CAO, by City Administration, to prepare a resolution addressing anti-muslim bias and islamophobia.