April 20, 2026 Regular Meeting of the Tulsa Human Rights Commission

The Tulsa Human Rights Commission held its regular meeting on April 20, 2026. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a presentation of the Compassionate Tulsa Award to a local restaurant, introduction of a Fourth Amendment Worksite Playbook, updates on city surveys and commission goals, and reports from subcommittees.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The March 26, 2026 regular meeting minutes were approved as presented by a voice vote with no opposition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

Compassionate Tulsa Award Presentation

• Scott of Compassionate Tulsa presented the award to Heather Lindville and the staff of Wildflower Cafe for their practice of providing sack lunches to homeless individuals and listening to them. Lindville accepted on behalf of her staff, emphasizing that the staff insisted on continuing the practice. She noted the restaurant’s new location at 9th and Boulder (the old First Christian Church), which will include a garden, grocery, and event space.

Fourth Amendment Worksite Playbook

• Commissioner Amanda (identified by later reference) presented a playbook developed over six months to help businesses, especially small businesses and restaurants, understand their Fourth Amendment rights and responsibilities regarding immigration enforcement. The playbook is adapted from resources by the 4AW (Fourth Amendment Worksite) organization and provides guidance on interacting with federal agents, safeguarding employees, and avoiding unconstitutional searches. It includes management checklists and what to do if federal agents enter a workplace. The playbook has been approved and is available in English and Spanish. Distribution is ongoing through the Hispanic Affairs Commission and other networks. Commissioners discussed sharing it with their own employers and networks.

Elevate the 918 Survey Update

• Chair reported on the city auditor’s second annual “Elevate the 918” survey, which gauges public opinion on city services. The survey aimed for 1,200 responses and has exceeded that goal, but geographic representation is poor, with underrepresentation from outer Tulsa and Spanish-speaking residents. Chair urged commissioners to take the survey and promote it. A commissioner asked if the auditor’s office could send staff to community events to assist with the survey; Chair noted that Auditor Nathan Picard and Dr. Mike Stout would likely welcome such invitations. The survey has been extended to align with the mayor’s community tour.

Goal 1: Improving Access to the Human Rights Complaint Process

• Lakendra Carter, the city’s compliance officer (not present), provided an update: the CIO has agreed to meet with the resilience and equity team and expressed confidence in building an electronic complaint system internally, avoiding high costs. Tracking system demonstrations will be held remotely for commissioners. Commissioners discussed barriers, including the need to update the underlying ordinance. Ideas for broader access included: an external drop box at City Hall, partnering with trusted community organizations (e.g., Oklahumans for Equality, El Centro) to distribute paper forms and assist with filing, and exploring referral processes through 211 or social service intake. Chair noted that the LGBTQIA+ committee is compiling a list of community organizations.

Goal 2: Improving Geographic Representation on Authorities, Boards, and Commissions (ABCs)

• Chair reported that a memo sent to city council and mayor’s office on March 20 had prompted responses from three councilors. Councilor Archie invited the commission to present to a council committee on May 20. A meeting with the mayor’s office is set for April 28. A draft presentation focusing on the recruitment and application pipeline is being developed. Commissioners brainstormed outreach strategies: contact neighborhood associations (city has an active program), HOAs, PTAs, Nextdoor, and personal recruitment by councilors. Several commissioners shared how they were recruited, noting that many were approached personally by the mayor’s office or through existing networks. The discussion also highlighted that some ABC seats are tied to specific organizations or skill sets, complicating geographic balance.

Other Reports and Updates

• Commissioner Meadows: Recognized for being featured in a Tulsa World article about the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. A tour of the center (80,000 sq ft, expanding to 100,000) will be arranged for commissioners.
• Chair’s One-on-One Meetings: Six of seven scheduled meetings with commissioners were completed. Themes included succession planning and transitioning responsibilities. Remaining commissioners are encouraged to schedule meetings.
• LGBTQIA+ Committee: Chair attended the committee meeting and reported “exciting things percolating”; Whitney will provide updates.
• Fair Housing Month: April is Fair Housing Month; the Fair Housing Committee offers education sessions upon request.
• Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission: Preparing for the 10th annual Native American Day on October 19, 2026, at Dreamkeepers Park, which will undergo renovations afterward.
• Hispanic Affairs Commission: The Tomashi Vera Awards ceremony recognizing Hispanic high school seniors and community heroes will be held on May 14, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the central library.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve March 2026 minutes: Approved by voice vote.
• Fourth Amendment Worksite Playbook: Officially commission-approved; distribution continues.
• Goal 1: City CIO committed to building an electronic complaint system. Ordinance revisions needed; commission will draft changes and seek a council sponsor. Auxiliary access measures (drop box, community partners, referral process) to be explored.
• Goal 2: Presentation to city council committee tentatively scheduled for May 20, 2026. Meeting with mayor’s office on April 28, 2026. Commissioners to review final draft before next meeting.
• Next Regular Meeting: Two weeks prior to the May 20 council presentation (likely May 18, 2026) to finalize the ABC presentation.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned on a motion and second, with no opposition.