GF council member talks hate crime ordinance

The recent debate over a draft policy on gender inclusion at the University of North Dakota has prompted a member of the Grand Forks council to suggest creation of a hate crime ordinance in the city.

Katie Dachtler requested the action item following citizen comments at Tuesday’s council meeting in support of the UND draft plan.  Critics claim the policy demands acceptance of a particular ideology about gender language and infringes upon free speech.

Dachtler says a North Dakota LGBTQ Climate Report suggests 61.6% of LGBTQ youth in the state consider suicide – and 48.5% have made a plan to kill themselves.  “Worthy of the dignity and respect are just words unless supported by action and follow through in policy…ordinance…and legislation.”

Dachtler also urged the council to reinforce an inclusion resolution adopted in 2017.

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