Mayor Memo

From: Mayor Angela Taylor

To: All Staff

Date: August 4, 2015

RE: Civil Rights Decisions

Good Morning Associates,

Recently I have made some widely publicized decisions. I want to ensure the community that these decisions were in everyone’s best interest. The intent of this memo is to explain the recent civil rights decisions I have made.

The first issue was regarding city contracts to minority owned businesses. In 1989 the US Supreme Court (City of Richmond v. Croson) ruled that is illegal for cities and states to give minority owned businesses preference when awarding contracts. Minority owned business make up 35 percent of our community, yet we are only utilizing less than 10 percent of these companies. It is in the cities best interest to foster successful businesses for all; however minorities may not have access to all of the information or access that competitors have. I wanted to start and outreach group to encourage more minority companies to bid successfully of city contracts.

The safety and wellbeing of youth in this community is very important to me. With the increase of gang activity, I felt it was necessary to impose a minor curfew to ensure the safety of all. Some have objected to this, stating it violates constitutional rights. Minor have fewer rights and are the responsibility of their legal guardians. In 1988 the US Supreme Court ruled (Hazekwood School District v. Kuhlmeier) in favor of a minor curfew. Starting September 7th, all students in the XYZ Unified School District will be expected to adherer to the new 10pm curfew.

Recently an employee within our staff has informed us they contracted HIV. I understand that some of you have voiced your concerns regarding the safeguards against infection. Against the recommendation of termination, severance, poor performance review, I do not think this is necessary. The Americans with Disabilities Act was established to protect such individuals, and I must abide by it. To ease any fears or...