Spokane Municipal Code

Title 18 Human Rights

Chapter 18.10 Process for Review of Institutional Statements, Names and Monuments on City Property

Section 18.10.030 Process of Review by Spokane Human Rights Commission

The process for considering and acting upon community members' concerns regarding the content of City-owned property is as follows:

1. Individuals and/or groups can request that the City of Spokane review certain City-owned property by submitting a request to the Spokane Human Rights Commission (SHRC). The SHRC shall act as the coordinator of the process for reviewing the request.

2. Once the SHRC receives a request, the SHRC shall then task the SHRC Civic Impact Workgroup ("Workgroup") as its designee to process the request, and the Workgroup shall coordinate the process for reviewing the request.

3. The Workgroup shall then review the request and determine whether or not to start a review, considering whether the content described in the request is discriminatory under SMC 18.01.010 or the content is likely to cause mental pain, suffering or disrespect in a reasonable person with a cultural background and lived experience that would make them vulnerable.

1. 1. If the Workgroup finds that the content does not violate SMC 18.01.010 and is not likely to cause mental pain, suffering or disrespect, the review shall end, and the Workgroup shall notify the Requester of the decision and provide them the information to present their concerns to the full SHRC at a meeting via public comment.

1. 2. If the Workgroup finds that the content does violate SMC 18.01.010 or is likely to cause mental pain, suffering or disrespect, it shall refer the request to the Spokane Office of Civil Rights, Equity, and Inclusion (OCREI).

4. After referral from the Workgroup, the OCREI shall then review the request in consultation with the City of Spokane Legal Department and other necessary departments, boards, commissions, affected Native American tribes and compile relevant information and findings that will inform a final recommendation. Relevant information shall include any history relating to the City's acquisition of the property or placement of the content thereon, including donor restrictions or requirements. Within 180 days of receiving the referral, the OCREI shall present the information, findings and recommendation to the Workgroup, including whether the recommendation of the SHRC will be submitted to the City Council, the Park Board or the Library Board. This review process shall not limit the authority or responsibility of any department, board or commission established by law.

5. Upon receipt of information and findings from the OCREI, the Workgroup shall review the information and findings, and determine if the Request should be brought forward to the full SHRC. If the Workgroup determines that the SHRC should address the matter, the request shall be placed on a regular SHRC meeting agenda for discussion. At this point, the requester shall be notified of the decision to pursue the matter. The requester shall also be notified of the meeting and may address the full SHRC via public comment or presentation under the rules of the SHRC.

6. Upon conclusion of discussion of the request at the regular SHRC meeting, any Commissioner may move for the matter to be forwarded to the SHRC Executive Committee for further collaboration with the OCREI on research, analysis, outreach, and stakeholder engagement. Upon completing its review, the SHRC Executive Committee shall place the matter on a regular SHRC meeting agenda for further review and action.

Date Passed: Monday, January 29, 2024

Effective Date: Thursday, March 7, 2024

ORD C36484 Section 1