Members of the Human Rights Commission resigned en mass recently. The feeling seems to be that there was not strong support coming from the City. The resigning members says they suffered greatly from the emotional toll of their consistent stance of conflict, distrust and blatant disrespect of their time, maturity, and autonomy.
The commission has been around since 1963. On it’s website, it states that it is in place “to advocate for justice and equal opportunity, to advise the City of Seattle on human rights issues, and to collaborate with public and private sectors in order to educate them on methods to prevent and eliminate discrimination city-wide.”
The Seattle Human Rights Commission consists of 21 representative residents of Seattle appointed to serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor, City Council, Seattle Office for Civil Rights, and City departments in matters affecting human rights. Eight commissioners are appointed by the Mayor, eight are appointed by the City Council, and four are appointed by the Commission.
The commissioners shared their reasoning behind our decision. This is the letter that was sent out:
As you continue (or not, no judgement!), we who depart urge the remaining Commissioners to learn from our experience and protect yourselves. We are not volunteer event planners, we deserve to spend our time and resources in the way we feel most fit to benefit the community. You have the power to define your own work.
You’ve shared yourselves, your passion and expertise with me and there is nothing more valuable to me. I only regret having to prioritize my own psychological wellbeing over directly supporting you. But, my harmed self is no good for you, and I’m sorry.
I thank you all for your support, and please stay in touch as you are always welcome.
In solidarity,
Julia Ismael, she/her
The human rights commissioners in Seattle are appointed to a two-year term of office and serve without pay. The 21st member joins the Commission each year through Get Engaged, a leadership development program for 18-29 year olds. In addition, the Seattle Office for Civil Rights provides staff and support to the Commission.
