Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity
Regular MeetingLansing, MI · July 13, 2018
Minutes
DRAFT
MINUTES
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Friday, July 13, 2018 @ 11:30 a.m.
Council Conference Room, 10th Floor, City Hall
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 11:32 a.m.
Committee Members
Council Member Carol Wood, Chair
Council Member Brian T. Jackson, Vice Chair
Council Member Patricia Spitzley – Arrived at 11:34 a.m.
Others Present
LaSondra Crenshaw, Council Staff
Stacey Locke – Peckham
Chelsea Coffey – Mayor’s Office
Matthew Schraft – Mayor’s Office
Judi Harris - STVCC
Mark Brown
Joan Jackson Johnson - HRCS
Lisa Hagan – Attorney’s Office
Elaine Womboldt – Rejuvenating South Lansing
Ashley Kuykendoll
MINUTES
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER JACKSON TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM June 29,
2018 AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 2-0
Discussion
Continue conversation on MEI Score
Ms. Coffey advised that group that she was able to product documentation that could
revised our score to 95, she then went over with the committee what points we were
able to get and which once we were unable to obtain.
Mr. Schraft who is new to the Mayor’s office spoke about how he is passionate about
issues dealing with LGBTQ community. He feels Mayor Schor should be meeting with
LGBTQ young people in schools he then spoke about his experience with public
service. He also suggested having elected official meet with high school students as
well.
Council Member Wood suggested to Mr. Schraft they should encourage the young
people to express that it is ok to accept people no matter how they dress, look, or feel.
She also advised that the Lansing School District does a LGBTQ prom, and this might
be an opening place for some of the clubs and other activities. She suggested that
working with Ms. Jackson-Johnson’s Department as much as possible would also be
good.
Ms. Jackson-Johnson stated she has twelve contracts with organizations that provide
support to youth. She then referenced the second page of the contract that talks about
anti bullying. Ms. Jackson-Johnson has been doing this for about five or six years, and
advised there is a special group working with the refugee population; the Boys & Girls
Club has the largest population of refugee community. Gateway is a real plus as they
help with housing kids; not normally for long term but is a positive. Continuum of Care
mandated by HUD that shelter welcome all but some shelters not as welcoming, we
have developed a policy of zero tolerance. City Rescue Mission has been really good,
however we haven’t been as successful in the women’s shelter. A few elders have
encountered issues at the mobile food pantry, but we have addressed them, their
lifestyle has nothing to do with it. Fifteen to twenty percent of the homeless population
has AIDS, we provide funding for Ingham County Health Department. Transgender
community does not the strongest support, but we are reaching this community through
other services. Public housing is a huge challenge in itself. Schools and police provide
enforcement in those areas.
Council Member Wood advised that in the procurement ordinance it doesn’t reference
the words sexual orientation or gender identity. She asked that law take a look into that
and make those changes. Make sure it’s run by the Mayor’s office, even though she
didn’t see where it should be a problem to add those few descriptive words. She then
asked the group to review the MEI standards to see if there are things we may want to
work on for next year.
Council Member Wood state that we talked about employees being involved with anti-
discrimination training, what are we doing with regards to Board and Commissions.
Some work directly with employees, it would be good to have a standard requirement
that Boards & Commissions go through a yearly training as well.
Ms. Womboldt agreed with Council Member Wood that training should take place with
all Boards and Commissions.
Council Member Spitzley agreed with Council Member Wood, there should be a yearly
training. She also stated that using Mr, Mrs, etc could be insulting, so sensitivity training
would be helpful too.
Mr. Brown asked is there an oath given to members of Boards and Commissions.
Council Member Wood stated after approval by Council the member is sworn by Mr.
Swope.
OTHER
Updates on Participants in the Committee
July 14, 2018 Labor Caucus – Michigan Dem Party – WMU
July 16, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. Formal announcement of Sanctuary Church designation – Cristo Rey
Church 201 W. Miller Rd.
July 17, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Legislative Candidate Forum – Lansing Media Center 2500 S.
Washington Ave
July 18, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. Voters Not Politicians Hearing – State Supreme Courthouse Lansing
July 18, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. Brown Bag
July 18, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. AGL/CRI Vigil Democracy: Para Todas – Cristo Rey Church 201 W.
Miller Rd.
July 21, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. Love from Lansing – Water Transport to Flint
July 30, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. Michigan Power to Thrive Town Hall: Incarceration The Ripple Effect
– 2500 S. Washington Ave
July 21, 2018 – Mobile Food Pantry - Pennway Church
July 21, 2018 Ability Tour – Peckham Inc 3510 Capital City Blvd
July 31, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Legislative Candidate Forum – 67th District UUChurch
August 20th Connect for Kids
Every Wednesday 5:30 – 6:30/7:00 Jail Tours - Ingham County sheriff office
Saturday Sept 8, 2018 at Benjamin Davis Park – Lansing Harmony Celebration
Sparrow Volunteers- if over 55 go through VIP office
Friday and Saturdays 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m Midnight Basketball - Hill Center
Adjourn
Adjourn at 12:44 p.m.
Submitted by,
LaSondra Crenshaw, Administrative Assistant
Approved ____________________________
Agenda
AGENDA
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Friday July 13, 2018 @ 11:30 a.m.
Council Conference Room, 10th Floor, City Hall
Councilmember Carol Wood, Chair
Councilmember Brian Jackson, Vice Chair
Councilmember Patricia Spitzley
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Public Comment
4. Approval of Minutes
• June 29, 2018
5. Discussion
A.) Continue conversation on MEI Score – Mayor’s Office
6. Other
• Updates on Participants in the Committee
7. Adjourn
Pending Opioids information from Sparrow Hospital
DRAFT
MINUTES
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Friday, June 29, 2018 @ 11:30 a.m.
Council Conference Room, 10th Floor, City Hall
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 11:33 a.m.
Committee Members
Council Member Carol Wood, Chair
Council Member Brian T. Jackson, Vice Chair
Council Member Patricia Spitzley
Others Present
LaSondra Crenshaw, Council Staff
Tammy Lemmer – TCOA
Dax Carpenter, Disability Network
Stacey Locke – Peckham
Julie Rodocker – LPD Commissioner
Chelsea Coffey – Mayor’s Office
Linda Sanchez-Gazella – HR Director
Jim Bale
Judi Harris - STVCC
Elizabeth O’Leary - HR
Mark Brown
MINUTES
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER JACKSON TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM April 13,
2018 AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 3-0
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER SPITZLEY TO PLACE MINUTES FROM MAY 11, 2018 ON
FILE. MOTION CARRIED 3-0
Discussion
Continue conversation on MEI Score
Ms. Coffey advised the group that the deadline is July 27th for the MEI score. Mayor
Schor would like everyone to look over the handout and get back to him with any
questions/suggestions.
Ms. Coffey went over the 2018 MEI Scorecard with the group, to compare what points
we received last year and what points we would be eligible to receive this year.
After going over the Scorecard it was decided that Ms. Coffey will report back with all
the information and documents at the meeting July 13th.
Councilmember Wood asked that everyone look over the 2018 MEI Standards For
Credit handout and bring back your ideas.
Discussion
Veteran Issues
Mr. Carpenter updated the group along with Ms. Sanchez-Gazella as to what the
veteran issues/concerns are. He advised that we need to increase are standing from
bronze to silver level, and asked how do we attract more veterans to the city.
Ms. Sanchez-Gazella advised that Elizabeth O’Leary is the Labor Specialist, but she
knows we are at a bronze level with Michigan Veterans Association. She is not familiar
with the steps to increase that but she did pull the steps along with Elizabeth’s help.
Those include meetings with different agencies, and we give special consideration to
veterans who apply through LPD. Council Member Wood asked if they give extra points
for veterans no matter what job they apply for. Ms. Sanchez-Gazella advised they only
do that in LPD not with any other department, but they will look into that in the future.
As far as hiring she is open to any suggestions, she encouraged everyone to
email/telephone any suggestions to Elizabeth or herself.
Ms. O’Leary advised that last summer the City became bronze level, forms were sent
out regarding veteran identification at that time without a big response. They have had a
meeting with David Dunkel and MVA recruiters attended training, however we could
benefit from follow up training.
Mr. Carpenter stated we need to develop a plan, we do a veteran breakfast and parade,
but what more can we do.
Ms. Locked stated that a lot of veterans have PTSD and anxiety, only being in LPD is a
shock we need to look at other areas and maybe more people would self-identify.
Mr. Carpenter suggested we get a partnership going with LCC and try to get more
veterans to stay in Michigan. He works with Invest Vets committee, and they are getting
veterans, etc hired. We need to get the skilled trade gap closed, and start getting other
departments involved.
Council Member Wood suggested that another round to help self-identify, could include
Mr. Carpenter writing a letter explaining why it’s important to let us know if you’re a
veteran. Give people the chance to see there are other people out there like them.
Mr. Bale stated there is a big shortage of people for building trades, he asked Mr.
Carpenter if he has reached out to Michigan State. Mr. Carpenter advised no not yet but
he planned to.
Ms. Sanchez-Gazella asked Mr. Carpenter if he receives emails with our weekly job
openings. He advised that he does not. Council Member Wood advised that LaSondra
will send our email list to Ms. Sanchez-Gazella and she will send out weekly job list to
the Ad Hoc on Diversity and Inclusion committee.
Mr. Brown stated that bringing in youth helps build the program to help young adults to
go into apprenticeship. Looks at a wide spectrum to get into program, the age range is
mid-twenties. Taking certified veterans as trainers and letting them help with returning
citizens or people with challenging resumes. He also suggested we Include Michigan
Works
Council Member Wood suggested we work on getting some meetings together, what
steps we need to do in order to accomplish moving forward in the ratings from a bronze
to silver. Make sure Ms. Sanchez-Gazella has our email address for Ad Hoc group, to
send us any information you feel could benefit this group.
OTHER
Updates on Participants in the Committee
Saturday June 30th – Rally at Capitol against families being separated 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Monday July 30th at the Media Center 2500 S. Washington from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Town
Hall Panel regarding incarceration the ripple effect
July 17th – Brown Bag 12:00 p.m.
Every Wednesday not July 4th – Ingham County sheriff office 5:30-6:30/7 – Jail Tours
Saturday Sept 8, 2018 at Benjamin Davis Park – Lansing Harmony Celebration
Sparrow Volunteers- if over 55 go through VIP office
Midnight Basketball at Hill Center from 8:00 p.m. - midnight
Adjourn
Adjourn at 12:36 p.m.
Submitted by,
LaSondra Crenshaw, Administrative Assistant
Approved ____________________________
LANSING, MICHIGAN 1/2 LANSING, MICHIGAN 2/2
2017 MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX SCORECARD 2017 MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX SCORECARD
I. Non-Discrimination Laws STATE COUNTY CITY AVAILABLE IV. Law Enforcement CITY AVAILABLE
This category evaluates whether Employment Fair enforcement of the law includes LGBTQ Police Liaison or Task Force
discrimination on the basis of sexual 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 responsible reporting of hate crimes and 0 10
orientation and gender identity is engaging with the LGBTQ community in a
Housing Reported 2015 Hate Crimes Statistics
prohibited by the city, county, or state in 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 thoughtful and respectful way. 12 12
to the FBI
areas of employment, housing, and
public accommodations. Public Accommodations
0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 SCORE 12 out of 22
SCORE 30 out of 30
V. Relationship with the LGBTQ Community CITY AVAILABLE
II. Municipality as Employer CITY AVAILABLE
This category measures the city leadership’s Leadership’s Public Position on LGBTQ Equality
commitment to fully include the LGBTQ 4 5
By offering equivalent benefits and Non-Discrimination in City Employment
protections to LGBTQ employees, and by 6 0 6 6 community and to advocate for full equality.
Leadership’s Pro-Equality Legislative
awarding contracts to fair-minded businesses, or Policy Efforts 0 3
Transgender-Inclusive Healthcare Benefits
municipalities commit themselves to treating 0 6
LGBTQ employees equally.
City Contractor Non-Discrimination Ordinance SCORE 4 out of 8
0 0 3 3
BONUS Openly LGBTQ Elected or Appointed
+0 +2
Municipal Leaders
SCORE 6 out of 24
BONUS City Tests Limits of Restrictive State
+0 +4
Law
BONUS Inclusive Workplace +0 +2
III. Municipal Services STATE COUNTY CITY AVAILABLE
This section assesses the efforts of the city
to ensure LGBTQ constituents are included
Human Rights Commission
0 5 5
TOTAL SCORE 63 + TOTAL BONUS 2 = Final Score 65
in city services and programs. CANNOT EXCEED 100
LGBTQ Liaison in City Executive’s Office
0 5
Enumerated Anti-Bullying School Policies
0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3
SCORE 11 out of 16
BONUS Enforcement Mechanism in Human
+0 +2 +2
Rights Commission
BONUS City Provides Services to LGBTQ
+0 +2
Youth
BONUS City Provides Services to LGBTQ
+0 +2
Homeless
BONUS City Provides Services to LGBTQ
+0 +2
Elders
BONUS City Provides Services to people
+0 +2
Living with HIV/AIDS PTS FOR SEXUAL ORIENTATION PTS FOR GENDER IDENTITY + BONUS PTS for criteria not accessible to all cities at this time.
BONUS City Provides Services to the
+0 +2 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CITY SELECTION, CRITERIA OR THE MEI SCORING SYSTEM, PLEASE VISIT HRC.ORG/MEI.
Transgender Community All cities rated were provided their scorecard in advance of publication and given the opportunity to submit revisions. For feedback regarding a particular
city’s scorecard, please email mei@hrc.org.
hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei
2018 MEI STANDARDS
FOR CREDIT
The following details what qualifies for credit in each section of the MEI scorecard. Please note that this
year’s scorecard includes a number of revisions and new categories, as detailed in the 2017 MEI.
SECTION I. NON-DISCRIMINATION LAWS
● Non-Discrimination in Private Employment, Housing, and Public Accommodations (Up to 30 points).
This category evaluates whether a city has an enforceable non-discrimination ordinance that expressly
covers sexual orientation and gender identity and applies to private employment, housing, and public
accommodations citywide. In each category (private employment, housing, and public accommodations),
cities receive 5 points for explicitly prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and 5 points
for expressly prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity. A 3-point deduction is applied for
protections that contain carve-outs prohibiting individuals from using facilities consistent with their gender
identity. Up to six points will be deducted for religious exemptions that single out sexual orientation and/or
gender identity.
● Required Documentation: Copy of relevant municipal code provision(s).
● BONUS: All-Gender Single-Occupancy Facilities (2 bonus points). Cities that require all single-user sex-
segregated facilities within the city like bathrooms and changing rooms to be all-gender will receive two
bonus points. Cities that designate all single-occupancy facilities within its own buildings as all-gender will
receive half credit. For more information on the importance of equal access to single-occupancy facilities,
see our issue brief entitled Equal Access to Sex-Segregated Facilities here or at www.hrc.org/mei.
● Required Documentation: Copy of relevant municipal code provision(s).
● BONUS: Protects Youth from Conversion Therapy (2 bonus points). Cities that enact laws to protect
youth from the harmful and discredited practice of so-called “conversion therapy”—any effort to change an
individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity—will garner two bonus points. To learn more about this
dangerous practice, see our issue brief entitled Protecting Youth from Harmful “Conversion Therapy” here
or at www.hrc.org/mei.
● Required Documentation: Copy of relevant municipal code provision(s).
SECTION II. MUNICIPALITY AS EMPLOYER
● Non-Discrimination in City Employment (7 points for sexual orientation/7 points for gender identity).
Whereas Section I assesses private employment citywide, this section evaluates non-discrimination
protections for city employees (public employment). To qualify for credit, the city must have an enforceable
non-discrimination ordinance or policy that expressly applies to all municipal employees and explicitly
includes sexual orientation and gender identity.
● Required Documentation: Copy of relevant municipal code provision(s) or city equal employment
opportunity policy.
● Transgender-Inclusive Healthcare Benefits (6 points). To obtain credit in this category, the city must offer
at least one municipal employee health insurance plan that expressly covers transgender healthcare needs,
including gender-affirming procedures, hormone therapy, mental health care and other gender-affirming
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2018 MEI STANDARDS
FOR CREDIT
care. The lack of express exclusions for these services is not sufficient for credit because this care is
routinely not covered. For more information on extending transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits to city
employees, read our issue brief here or at www.hrc.org/mei.
● Required Documentation: Copy of city employee health insurance plan benefits booklet.
● City Contractor Non-Discrimination Ordinance or Policy (3 points for sexual orientation/3 points for
gender identity). This refers to a city law or policy that requires all businesses the city contracts with for
goods or services to have an employee non-discrimination policy that expressly covers sexual orientation
and gender identity. Partial credit may be awarded in instances where the city has no qualifying ordinance
or policy but consistently includes a contractor non-discrimination provision in all contracts with businesses,
or when a city gives a bidding preference to businesses with a qualifying employee non-discrimination policy.
● Required Documentation: Copy of relevant municipal code provision(s) or city policy.
● Inclusive Workplace (2 points). This section assesses whether a municipality has LGBTQ-specific
programming to attract LGBTQ applicants and promote diversity in the workplace. Cities will receive credit
if they have any one of the following: an LGBTQ employee pride alliance or resource group, LGBTQ-
inclusive diversity training for all city staff, or a recruitment program that actively advertises available
positions to the LGBTQ community.
● Required Documentation: Confirmation from city human resources department of an LGBTQ
employee pride alliance or resource group; copy of LGBTQ-inclusive all-staff diversity training; or
documentation of recruitment efforts directed to the LGBTQ community.
● BONUS: City Employee Domestic Partner Benefits (1 bonus point). Cities will receive credit for offering
equal benefits to both same- and different-sex domestic partners of city employees and their legal
dependents. Even after nationwide marriage equality, it is important to respect the diverse family forms that
exist by expanding domestic partner benefits to include all families. For more information on this topic, see
our issue brief entitled The Case for Retaining Domestic Partnership Laws and Policies here or at
www.hrc.org/mei.
● Required Documentation: Copy of relevant municipal code provision(s) or city policy.
SECTION III. MUNICIPAL SERVICES
● Human Rights Commission (5 points). Credit is awarded in this section if the city has a community-facing
body tasked with eliminating discrimination and educating the public on issues of diversity and inclusion. To
these ends, the commission can hold community discussions, screen movies, present panels, take public
comment, advise city leaders and develop policies and strategies to make the city more inclusive. The
commission must be active and meet regularly.
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2018 MEI STANDARDS
FOR CREDIT
● Required Documentation: Copy of relevant municipal code provision(s) or link to city human rights
commission website.
● Enforcement of Non-Discrimination Ordinance by Human Rights Commission (2 points). Where, in
addition to the functions listed above, a Human Rights Commission has the authority to conciliate, issue a
right to sue letter, or otherwise enforce citywide non-discrimination protections, that commission will earn
two additional points.
● Required Documentation: Copy of relevant municipal code provision(s) or link to city human rights
commission website.
● LGBTQ Liaison to City Executive (5 points). To earn credit in this category, the city must have an officially
designated liaison to the LGBTQ community who reports to the city executive and whose designation as
LGBTQ liaison and contact information is posted on the city website. An LGBTQ liaison serves as an
accessible and friendly ear to the city’s LGBTQ community and elevates LGBTQ-related concerns to the
city executive and other city officials. LGBTQ persons who work in the city executive’s office do not qualify
for credit in this category unless they serve as the official LGBTQ liaison and meet the above criteria. This
role may be assigned to existing city staff. Additionally, the LGBTQ liaison to the city executive cannot
double for credit as an LGBTQ police liaison (which is rated in Part IV), given the unique function of each of
these divisions of city government.
● Required Documentation: A link to the city website displaying the LGBTQ liaison’s title and contact
information.
● BONUS: Youth Bullying Prevention Policy for City Services (1 bonus point for sexual orientation/1 bonus
point for gender identity). This category awards cities up to two bonus points for implementing policies that
prohibit bullying on the express basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in all youth-facing city facilities
and services. These policies should cover, for example, the city’s parks and recreation department, library
programs, and any other department or service that incorporate young people. For more on this topic, see
our issue brief entitled Inclusive and Innovative Approaches to Citywide Bullying Prevention here or at
www.hrc.org/mei.
● Required Documentation: Copy of relevant municipal code provision(s) or city policy.
● BONUS: City Provides Services to/Supports LGBTQ Youth (2 bonus points). Cities should offer services
designed to address the unique needs of LGBTQ youth, who often face higher rates of bullying, harassment
and rejection after coming out. Cities can earn credit here by (1) directly providing services targeted to
LGBTQ youth, (2) funding organizations that provide these services, OR (3) providing other meaningful types
of support (such as in-kind support, subsidized use of city facilities, etc.) to community organizations that
provide services designed for LGBTQ youth. For LGBTQ youth resources, visit
http://www.hrc.org/resources/topic/children-youth.
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2018 MEI STANDARDS
FOR CREDIT
● Required Documentation: (1) A record of the city’s support for the qualifying service (ex: A copy of the
current city budget showing city funding for a community organization that provides the qualifying
service) AND (2) Documentation of how the service qualifies (ex: A link to the city-supported community
organization describing the service that is targeted to LGBTQ youth).
● BONUS: City Provides Services to/Supports LGBTQ Homeless Individuals (2 bonus points). LGBTQ
individuals – particularly youth – are disproportionately impacted by homelessness. Cities can earn credit in
this section by (1) directly providing services targeted to LGBTQ homeless individuals, (2) funding
organizations that provide these services, OR (3) providing other meaningful types of support (such as in-
kind support, subsidized use of city facilities, etc.) to community organizations that provide services or
resources targeted to LGBTQ homeless individuals. For more LGBTQ homelessness resources, visit
http://www.hrc.org/resources/lgbt-youth-homelessness.
● Required Documentation: (1) A record of the city’s support for the qualifying service (ex: A copy of the
current city budget showing city funding for a community organization that provides the qualifying
service) AND (2) Documentation of how the service qualifies (ex: A link to the city-supported community
organization describing the service that is targeted to LGBTQ homeless individuals).
● BONUS: City Provides Services to/Supports LGBTQ Elders (2 bonus points). As LGBTQ individuals age,
they encounter unique health, social and cultural challenges. Cities can earn credit in this section by (1)
directly providing services targeted to LGBTQ elders, (2) funding organizations that provide these services,
OR (3) providing other meaningful types of support (such as in-kind support, subsidized use of city facilities,
etc.) to community organizations that provide services or resources targeted to LGBTQ elders.
● Required Documentation: (1) A record of the city’s support for the qualifying service (ex: A copy of the
current city budget showing city funding for a community organization that provides the qualifying
service) AND (2) Documentation of how the service qualifies (ex: A link to the city-supported community
organization describing the service targeted to LGBTQ elders).
● BONUS: City Provides Services to/Supports People Living with HIV or AIDS (2 bonus points). HIV
continues to disproportionately impact segments of the LGBTQ community. Cities can earn credit in this
section by (1) directly providing services for people living with HIV or AIDS, (2) funding organizations that
provide these services, OR (3) providing other meaningful types of support (such as in-kind support,
subsidized use of city facilities, etc.) to community organizations that provide services or resources targeted
to individuals living with HIV or AIDS. For resources on HIV and AIDS, visit
http://www.hrc.org/resources/topic/hiv-aids.
● Required Documentation: (1) A record of the city’s support for the qualifying service (ex: A copy of the
current city budget showing city funding for a community organization that provides the qualifying
service) AND (2) Documentation of how the service qualifies (ex: A link to the city-supported community
organization describing the service targeted to people living with HIV or AIDS).
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2018 MEI STANDARDS
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● BONUS: City Provides Services to/Supports Transgender-Specific Programming (2 bonus points).
Transgender individuals face disproportionate levels of discrimination, stigma and systemic inequality. Cities
can earn credit in this section by (1) directly providing services targeted to transgender residents such as
employment programs, post-incarceration reentry programs, and violence prevention programs; (2) funding
organizations that provide these services; OR (3) providing other meaningful types of support (such as in-
kind support, subsidized use of city facilities, etc.) to community organizations that provide services or
resources targeted to the transgender community. For resources on the transgender community, please visit
http://www.hrc.org/resources/topic/transgender and review the 2015 MEI issue brief entitled Anti-
Transgender Violence: What Cities Can Do available here or at www.hrc.org/mei.
● Required Documentation: (1) A record of the city’s support for the qualifying service (ex: A copy of the
current city budget showing city funding for a community organization that provides the qualifying
service) AND (2) Documentation of how the service qualifies (ex: A link to the city-supported community
organization describing the service that is targeted to transgender residents).
SECTION IV. LAW ENFORCEMENT
● LGBTQ Police Liaison or Task Force (10 points). To get credit in this category, the city must have an
officially designated liaison from the police department to the LGBTQ community (or a police task force
charged with addressing LGBTQ issues) whose designation as LGBTQ liaison and contact information is
posted on the police department’s website. An LGBTQ police liaison serves as an accessible and friendly
ear to the city’s LGBTQ community and elevates LGBTQ-related concerns to the police chief and other city
officials. LGBTQ police officers, including high-ranking officers, do not qualify for credit in this category
unless their service as liaison is part of their official job and the required information is published online.
Partial credit will be awarded if the entire police force was recently trained on LGBTQ issues.
● Required Documentation: A link to the police department website displaying the LGBTQ police
liaison’s title and contact information.
● Reported 2016 Hate Crimes Statistics to the FBI (12 points). To qualify for points in this section, the city
must report hate crimes statistics to the FBI in all categories, including sexual orientation and gender identity,
and either:
● Report a positive number of hate crimes in any protected category in 2016 (i.e. report more than “0”
for hate crimes reported in any one or more of the protected categories), OR
● Report zero hate crimes in 2016 AND have reported a positive number of hate crimes in any one or
more of the protected categories some year in the past five years of published reports. This second
prong is to recognize that while statistically it is possible that no hate crimes of any kind occurred in
a small city one year, it is highly improbable that no hate crimes of any kind occurred in a city in the
past five years of a published FBI hate crimes reports.
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2018 MEI STANDARDS
FOR CREDIT
SECTION V. RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY
● Leadership’s Public Position on LGBTQ Equality (0-5 points). This section grades, on a sliding scale
from zero to five points, how pro-equality the city leadership is in its public statements. City leadership
includes the city executive, city council, and other government officials. These statements may include
joining a pro-equality association such as Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination, coming out publicly in
favor of LGBTQ rights, supporting LGBTQ community organizations publicly, attending a pride parade,
speaking out against anti-LGBTQ legislation, partnering with LGBTQ groups to create solutions to city
problems, etc. It also includes comments made during city council meetings or at other public events.
● Required Documentation: Links to recent news articles, photographs of city leadership at LGBTQ
events, op-eds, Facebook posts, tweets, etc.
● Leadership’s Pro-Equality Legislative or Policy Efforts (0-3 points). This section grades, on a sliding
scale from zero to three points, how actively the city has been pursuing pro-equality legislation and policies.
This includes ordinances introduced (whether passed or not), city policies, and pro-equality city council
resolutions and proclamations.
● Required Documentation: Links to news articles, copies of ordinances and policies, or a written
summary from city officials demonstrating recent pro-equality legislative and policy efforts.
● BONUS: Openly LGBTQ Elected or Appointed Municipal Officials (2 bonus points). Appointed or elected
city officials who are openly LGBTQ will qualify the city for two bonus points in this category. While the city
should seek to employ LGBTQ persons at all levels of government, this criterion specifically addresses city
officials who are well-known in the public eye like the mayor, vice mayor, city manager, vice city manager,
and members of the city council. A state or federal elected representative from the city does not qualify.
● Required Documentation: Links to relevant news articles, for example.
● BONUS: City Tests Limits of Restrictive State Law (3 bonus points). This category only applies to cities
located in states with statewide laws that restricts cities’ authority to pass LGBTQ-inclusive ordinances. Such
cities that take distinct actions to push back against state limits to their ability to pass pro-equality laws will
qualify for four bonus points in this section. Cities can advocate against restrictive state law through council
resolutions or declarations and engagement with state legislators. For more information on preemption laws,
please see the 2016 MEI issue brief entitled Power Struggles and Preemption here or at www.hrc.org/mei.
● Required Documentation: Links to relevant news articles, copies of council resolutions or declarations,
summaries of state-level advocacy by city officials, etc.
6 WWW.HRC.ORG/MEI