Human Relations Commission - July 10, 2025

Staff will refine fall training after debate over content and participation

Palo Alto staff will refine the scope of a proposed religious-tolerance training for city employees, council members and board and commission members after the Human Relations Commission reviewed the plan and heard mixed public feedback. The discussion-only item produced no motion or vote. Staff expects to schedule the voluntary, in-person training in fall 2025.

The proposed 120-minute program would be delivered jointly by Islamic Networks Group and Project Shema. It would not be recorded and is not currently planned as a public training. Staff said no contract had been signed, and the proposed cost is about $10,000 plus reimbursable travel. The organizations were selected after community recommendations, listening sessions and consultations, partly because staff believed they could work together across the range of perspectives requested.

Public speakers supported addressing antisemitism and Islamophobia but disagreed over Project Shema and how the program should distinguish antisemitism from criticism of Israel or Zionism. Commenters also sought explicit attention to anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian bias, locally relevant case studies, accountability and protection for political expression. Several urged mandatory or strongly encouraged participation rather than a voluntary format.

Commissioners focused on community trust, the provider-selection process and ways to broaden participation. Katie Causey suggested moving beyond voluntary attendance, while Sridhar Karnam asked whether local incidents could be used as case studies. Adriana Eberle supported the two organizations' joint approach. Chair Mary Kate Stimmler said the training is intended to improve understanding and service to Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Palestinian and Israeli communities rather than change opinions on foreign affairs.

Staff said the program would explicitly address anti-Palestinian hatred and racism and include a jointly taught segment on protest chants and community perceptions. Staff will share the feedback with the proposed trainers, continue refining the scope and consider additional sessions. It also said it could coordinate with the Police Department on reported incidents that might inform case studies.

Primary sources

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