At the City of Huntington Beach, we strive to meet the highest standard when it comes to establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our community.
The City continues to work towards policies and programs to meet this standard and create a welcoming environment where every resident, business owner and visitor is valued and respected. We wish to send the message that we embrace their diverse backgrounds, including ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age and ability. Through open dialogue, the City aims to form new bonds and achieve our goals together as One HB.
Current Policies and Programs:
City Installs a Mobi-Mat for Access to the Ocean
On May 5, 2021, the City installed a Mobi-Mat to improve beach access for visitors with disabilities, parents with strollers, and others with limited mobility. Located next to the 6th Street and PCH parking lot, the mat serves as a stable walkway that safely leads guests across the sand and to the water’s edge during high tide. The Mobi-Mat is portable, non-slip and made with recyclable materials. The City installed a second Mobi-Mat on the south end of the City's beach in October 2021 and is working on a third Mobi-Mat.
Mayor Carr Denounces KKK Fliers - April 5, 2021
Human Relations Committee
Established by the City of Huntington Beach in 1997, the mission of the Huntington Beach Human Relations Committee (formerly known as Human Relations Task Force) is to inspire and promote mutual understanding, respect, and safety and the well-being of all in our community through education and engagement. The HBHRC has established several programs that celebrate our diverse cultures, including the quarterly Cultural Cinema Showcase, District-Wide Student Day of Dialogue, and Community Summit to share stories and discuss prominent issues of the time.
The Human Relations Committee meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:45PM at the Civic Center. More information is available on the Human Relations Committee website.
City Council Policies
The City Council has adopted policies and resolutions in support of diversity, equality and inclusion in Huntington Beach.
LGBTQ Pride Month Recognition and Flag Raising On May 3, 2021, the City Council voted to recognize Pride Month and to fly the LGBTQ Pride Flag annually, from the third week of May until June 30. This decision was in support of over 11 million Americans who identify as LGBTQ and to foster a community that is inclusive of all residents and visitors.
Declaration Denouncing Hate Crimes Against Asian Americans When COVID-19 began, inflammatory rhetoric blaming Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) for the pandemic led to a national surge in hate crimes and incidents against this community. On April 5, 2021, the City Council took a stand against these acts by adopting a Declaration Denouncing All Hate Crimes.
Declaration Denouncing White Supremacy On April 5, 2021, the City Council denounced any and all acts of White Supremacy, which sow fear and promote division within our community. The City is committed to remain vigilant against future movements, in order to preserve its values of diversity and inclusion for all.
Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity On May 6, 1996, the City of Huntington Beach City Council unanimously adopted a Declaration of Policy About Human Dignity, which prompted the creation of the Human Relations Task Force (now known as Human Relations Committee) in 1997. The Declaration states that everyone should be treated with courtesy and respect and any acts of hate will not be tolerated. The City Council reaffirms the Declaration at intervals with the latest taking place as recently as 2020 and in November 2021, officially adopted the updated Declaration of Policy on Human Dignity.
Resolution to Stand In Unity On June 15, 2020, the City Council adopted a Resolution to Stand Together in Unity as OneHB against all forms of intolerance, racism, and hate. This Resolution was adopted in response to the unconscionable actions of the Minneapolis Police Department that led to the killing of George Floyd. The City stands together in unity with Mr. Floyd’s family, our African American community, all people of color, those who have been marginalized, and those who protest against injustice and intolerance.
Proclamation Against Bullying On October 15, 2012, the City Council signed a Proclamation Against Bullying to proclaim its ongoing commitment to prevent bullying and encourage schools, students, parents, community organizations, and religious institutions to engage in a variety of awareness and prevention activities designed to make our community safer for all students.
Public Outreach
The City conducts various public outreach activities to raise greater awareness about issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to using every tool in our tool belt to promote these values throughout the community and to create an environment that is welcoming for all.
On April 11, 2021, the City hosted Hate Free HB – a virtual day of unity to stand against hate and celebrate diversity in Huntington Beach.
On April 1, 2021, the City and Orange County Human Relations hosted a virtual Town Hall to raise awareness about the rise in hate crimes and incidents against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Town Hall provided tips about how bystanders can safely de-escalate a hate crime in progress or provide support to victims afterward.
Resources
Report an Emergency Hate Crime: Call 911
Report a Non-Emergency Hate Crime to Huntington Beach Police: (714) 960-8825.
Orange County Human Relations is a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster mutual understanding and eliminate prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination to make Orange County a better place for all people to live, work and do business. You can also report hate a crime or hate incident at their confidential hotline at 714-480-6580 or online.
The Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council is a gathering of representatives of faith-based communities and individuals dedicated to understanding, respecting, promoting and celebrating spiritual and cultural diversity.
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