Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell

Press Release issued – January 24, 2012

Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative wins prestigious award

Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Mike O’Brien

SEATTLE – The City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative will be receiving the American Society for Public Administration’s (ASPA) 2012 Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Exemplary Practice Award on March 6, 2012. The announcement came last week (1/16/12) in recognition of the outstanding work being done by City of Seattle employees and the Seattle Office of Civil Rights to bring about a more fair, equitable and inclusive Seattle.

“I’m proud of the Office of Civil Rights and our employees for the years of hard work that was put into the Race and Social Justice Initiative to get where we are today and earn this recognition,” said Councilmember Mike O’Brien. “But our work does not stop here. We will continue to advance this initiative as we look to address racially disproportionate outcomes in areas like education, health and opportunity.”

“Our City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative has produced a strong foundation for us to be proactive in our effort for greater social equity,” said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology committee. “Winning this award shows that our efforts are being recognized on a national level. We should all be very proud of this work.”

The ASPA is dedicated to advancing the principles of accountability and performance, professionalism, ethics and social equity. The award is presented to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to a more equal society.

The Seattle Race and Social Justice Initiative is a citywide effort to end institutionalized racism and race-based disparities in City government. The Initiative builds on the work of the civil rights movement and the ongoing efforts of individuals and groups in Seattle to confront racism. The Initiative’s long term goal is to change the underlying system that creates race-based disparities in our community and to achieve racial equity.

Press Release issued – January 23, 2012

Seattle City Council approves marriage equality resolution
Councilmembers unanimously support state legislative efforts

SEATTLE –Seattle City Councilmembers today unanimously approved Resolution 31356 declaring full support of state-wide marriage equality, urging the Washington State Legislature to swiftly pass Senate Bill 6239. This bill is explicitly intended to end discrimination in marriage based on gender and sexual orientation, while respecting the religious freedom of religious institutions to determine for whom to perform marriage ceremonies.

“I’m sure it’s no surprise that the Seattle City Council favors marriage equality,” said Council President Sally J. Clark. “We’ve long been on record in support, and many of my colleagues and I have actively lobbied for the cause. It’s heartening to hear the legislature has the support to turn the measure into law.”

“As chair of the committee that oversees Seattle’s Office for Civil Rights, I wish to thank the members of the Washington State Senate, House of Representatives, and Gov. Gregoire on fighting for marriage equality in our state,” said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. “Families come in many forms and all families in our city and state should enjoy equal rights and opportunities. We all benefit from an environment that promotes equality.”

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Press Release issued – January 17, 2012

SEATTLE – The City Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, chaired by Councilmember Bruce Harrell, will discuss the historical and current context of the Department of Justice findings against the Seattle Police Department.

WHAT: Discussion on the Pattern or Practice process of the Department of Justice findings of the Seattle Police Department

WHEN: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Seattle City Council Chambers
600 Fourth Avenue, Second Floor
Seattle, WA 98104

WHO: Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair
Councilmember Mike O’Brien, Vice-Chair
Councilmember Nick Licata, Member
Darryl Smith, Deputy Mayor
Robert Scales, Director for Government Affairs, City Attorney’s Office
Doug Carey, Finance and Administrative Services