LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, the LA County Board of Supervisors voted to submit an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the Johnson v. City of Grants Pass case urging the Supreme Court to rule upholding the prohibitions on both criminal penalties and civil penalties for unhoused individuals considered camping in public spaces while clarifying the application of Martin v. City of Boise. The U.S. Supreme Court is considering the question whether the enforcement of generally applicable laws regulating camping on public property constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment” prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. An amicus brief assists the courts by offering additional, relevant information or arguments the court may want to consider before making their ruling. Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell presented an amendment to narrow the County’s arguments for its amicus brief and provided the following statement:

“It’s important for Los Angeles County, the largest county in the nation, to make clear our support for protecting basic human rights in our fight to end homelessness. This is why I fully supported the motion presented by Supervisors Barger and Hahn for the County to submit an amicus brief in the Johnson vs. City of Grants Pass case before the Supreme Court. The amendment I presented today, that was accepted by the Board of Supervisors, was about continuing to fight for the best outcome for our unhoused residents and communities impacted by the homelessness crisis, until the final decision from the Supreme Court is made. This amicus brief does that without supporting the City of Grants Pass’ position to criminalize the unhoused. My amendment insisted that our position would state to the court that we oppose criminalizing homelessness through criminal or civil penalties. And seeks to get clarity on when we can remove bedding that has been dumped. If we don’t ask for this clarity, our silence would not be a protest but naiveté as the Supreme Court is going to make a ruling. This is the clarity my amendment seeks. I understand that we must be strategic and that it’s not ideal to have to ask this important question to this Supreme Court, but this our current reality.”

“The Supreme Court will make a decision on this case this year. What we can do now is uphold the tenets of the Civil Rights Movement, and not stop fighting. We can continue to advocate to prevent the criminalization of poverty while protecting the safety and health of the public until the final decision is made.”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. —Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell provided the following statement on the death of civil rights activist, Dexter Scott King:

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dexter Scott King, activist and youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dexter King continued the legacy of his father, working tirelessly to promote the advancement of civil rights and non-violence. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.

In honor of the King legacy, we must continue our collective efforts to advocate for equity, justice, and inclusivity. Supporting institutions like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital becomes not just a tribute to the past but a commitment to creating a better future for all. My condolences and thoughts are with the King family during this challenging time.”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, representing the Second District, and co-authored by Supervisor Hilda Solis, representing the First District, to draft an ordinance granting the Probation Oversight Commission (POC), a civilian oversight body, authority to receive and refer complaints related to school law enforcement services provided by School Resource Deputies (SRDs). The proposed ordinance would establish an independent process for receiving and referring complaints, ensuring transparency, accountability, and protection of students and families. 

“Disturbing reports of racial bias in school policing make painfully clear the need for stronger protections for students and families who are often afraid to file a complaint about their experiences with school law enforcement,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “Creating a process that is safe, responsive, and independent of the department that complaints are made against is an important step towards stronger accountability.”

“Creating a system for students to complain to an independent entity, like the Probation Oversight Commission, creates trust and transparency,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis, who co-authored the motion. “I believe having this accountability tool will help with underreporting of misconduct and will offer protections for all parties.”

A recent analysis of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) data highlights troubling evidence of bias and disproportionate criminalization of Black students who have come into contact with LASD’s SRDs in certain schools, with similar biases being found Countywide, disproportionately impacting Black and Hispanic students including through arrest and citation. Suspension rates for Black students in SRD contract schools exceed statewide averages and there are alarming instances of SRDs having contact with children as young as 5 and 7.

Students also recently shared concerning feedback with the Human Relations Commission’s (HRC) Transformative Justice team about their experiences with SRDs. A report by the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission (COC) highlighted that most interviewed students expressed a negative view of SRDs, feeling intimidated, targeted, and experiencing aggressive interactions. A student lawsuit alleging excessive force and harassment by an SRD further illustrates why students feel unsafe making a complaint.

Today’s motion instructs County Counsel to draft an amending ordinance that creates a process, independent of the Sheriff’s Department, for referring complaints related to school law enforcement services, to be implemented by the POC. While the POC will be able to refer complaints, it would not be authorized to conduct investigations or discipline Sheriff’s Department personnel.

The motion also instructs the Executive Director of the POC to organize a public meeting for presenting and receiving public comments on the draft ordinance. This motion also requires a biannual regular report on complaints, especially as it pertains to any data that may indicate racial, disability, and other types of bias.

To read the full motion, click here.