REPORT TO TASK FORCE ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Possible Action on Observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day Survey Responses
Report
BACKGROUND
At the October 29, 2020 meeting of the Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Task Force), the Task Force voted to form a subcommittee (“Considerations of Historical Recognitions Subcommittee”) to work with City staff on research for the renaming of Columbus Day, the development of questions, and methods of engaging the public.
At the November 9, 2020 Task Force meeting, Chair Brown reported that the subcommittee had worked with staff to develop a survey that respectfully considers the historical significance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day and that the subcommittee would be reaching out to Native American organizations in Santa Clara County for feedback.
Staff presented the draft survey to the Task Force for input at their February 25, 2021 meeting. At the April 12, 2021 Task Force meeting, the Task Force approved the Observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day survey (Attachment 1) and directed staff to move forward with the survey as well as translate the survey in the languages provided by the City before its release.
The Observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day survey was live from October 21, 2021 through November 12, 2021. The survey was promoted via the City’s communications channels (GovDelivery, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and NextDoor), and was made available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Hindi, and Tagalog. The public had the option to participate in the survey by accessing the survey online on the Task Force’s page: www.SantaClaraCA.gov/EquityTaskForce <http://www.SantaClaraCA.gov/EquityTaskForce>, completing a hard-copy survey, which were available at the Senior Center, Central Park Library, Northside Branch Library, and Mission Branch Library, or by emailing their comments directly to the Task Force at EquityTaskForce@SantaClaraCA.gov <mailto:EquityTaskForce@SantaClaraCA.gov>.
DISCUSSION
Staff is bringing forward the survey responses received from October 21, 2021 through November 12, 2021, for the Task Force’s consideration. The Observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day survey has received a total of 815 responses. The raw data of collected survey responses is included with this report as Attachment 2. The hard-copy survey responses received at the City’s libraries and Senior Center are included with this report as Attachment 3. Comments with positions on the survey are included with this report as Attachment 4. The table below summarizes all responses received.
|
Response to "Please select your position on the observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day." |
Responses Received |
Total # of Responses |
Percentage |
|
Maintain Status Quo: Observe Columbus Day on the 2nd Monday of October |
142 |
815 |
17% |
|
Observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day (or an alternate holiday name that honors Native Americans) instead of Columbus Day on the 2nd Monday of October |
438 |
815 |
54% |
|
Observe both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the 2nd Monday of October or on different days. |
101 |
815 |
12% |
|
Observe Columbus Day on the 2nd Monday of October and observe Native American Heritage Day on the 4th Friday of September |
134 |
815 |
16% |
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Review Observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day Survey responses for possible action.
Staff
Reviewed by: Genevieve Yip, Staff Analyst
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day Survey
2. Raw Data of Collected Survey Responses
3. Hard Copies of Collected Survey Responses
4. Email Comments Received on Survey