Committee on Health and Human Relations meeting, June 11, 2026
- When: Thu, Jun 11, 2026, 12:30 PM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Health and Human Relations
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928590?video=1200524681
- Transcript: full text (11,734 words, automatic captions)
Meeting notes
AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.
The Committee on Health and Human Relations met to consider the mayor's appointment of Kenneth Gunn, the acting commissioner, as chair and commissioner of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, and approved the May 2026 Rule 45 report. Eight public speakers commented, most in support of the appointment. Members asked Gunn about hate crime trends, the commission's November 2025 report on anti-Jewish hate crimes and the mayor's proposed edits to it, planned mayoral advisory councils, outreach to the transgender community, and work with sister agencies. Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez questioned Gunn at length about the report and said he would not support the appointment, while other members expressed support. The appointment passed on a roll call the chair announced as six yes votes and one no, and will be reported to City Council with a do-pass recommendation.
Topics: Commission on Human Relations appointment, hate crimes, antisemitism, anti-Jewish hate crimes report, transgender community, Rule 45 report, remote participation, immigrants
Agenda items discussed
- 21:26 Motion to approve remote participation of Alderpersons Quezada and Sigcho-López under Rule 59: passed
- 23:50 Public comment
- 45:47 Approval of the May 2026 Rule 45 report: passed
- 46:24 Appointment of Kenneth Gunn as chair and commissioner of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations: passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (chair): Gave remarks on public comment, stating that speakers' statements do not represent the committee's views and encouraging listeners to consult trusted sources. (21:50); Thanked Kenneth Gunn for accepting the appointment and said the commission's work is especially important at this moment. (46:31); Credited a former colleague for introducing the Trans Femicide Working Group and thanked the commission for carrying out its work. (1:23:37)
- Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Asked Gunn about the commission's July 2025 hate crimes report, noting increases in hate crimes against gay men and Jewish people, and whether the administration sought to dilute that information. (53:40); Asked whether treating all hate the same would elevate some hate crimes while diminishing others with much higher numbers. (59:57); Asked what the true hate crime numbers would be if some communities underreport, calling the claim speculative. (1:01:25)
- Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Recognized former commissioner Mona Noriega as a Pride Parade grand marshal. (1:06:13); Asked what hate crime trends are emerging or resolving in the first months of the year. (1:06:32); Asked whether hate crimes against gay men have improved compared with last year. (1:07:46)
- Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Asked how Gunn's experience prepared him for the job, noting a cross burning in the 4th Ward. (1:12:41); As chair of the LGBTQ Caucus, asked how the commission can address high rates of hate crimes against Black transgender people and educate the council. (1:19:38); Thanked Gunn and expressed full support for his appointment. (1:22:59)
- Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Invited Gunn to a groundbreaking for a plaza honoring a transgender activist and asked for more updates on the anti-femicide working group. (1:24:52); Asked how the commission works with Chicago Public Schools and other sister agencies to educate adults and students on protecting transgender students. (1:26:34); Thanked Gunn for help after a local newspaper column she described as offensive to the Jewish community, and said she wants ways to hold such publications accountable. (1:28:24)
- Julia M. Ramirez (alderperson): Described hostility toward new Venezuelan neighbors and undocumented residents on the southwest side and said officials should model respectful language, including online. (1:30:37); Expressed full support for Gunn's appointment. (1:32:18)
- Jeylú B. Gutiérrez (alderperson): Spoke about teaching children to be good neighbors and against bullying, and said diversity makes the country stronger. (1:32:31); Congratulated Gunn and said she looks forward to working with him on legislation to protect communities. (1:34:10); Raised a point of information asking that the report issues be discussed at a separate hearing so the committee could focus on the appointment. (1:39:55)
Exchanges between members
- 53:30 Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez thanked the chair before questioning the nominee.
- 1:06:04 The chair thanked Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez after his questions.
- 1:06:09 Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson thanked the chair when recognized.
- 1:11:56 The chair thanked Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson and recognized Alderperson Lamont J. Robinson next.
- 1:12:03 Alderperson Lamont J. Robinson thanked the chair when recognized.
- 1:24:26 Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth thanked the chair when recognized.
- 1:24:42 Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth echoed Alderperson Lamont J. Robinson remark that this kind of leadership is needed now.
- 1:30:18 The chair thanked Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth.
- 1:32:31 Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez thanked the chair when recognized.
- 1:32:31 Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez referred to her colleague's preceding remarks about immigrants and hateful comments.
- 1:35:09 The chair thanked Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez and recognized Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez.
- 1:35:14 Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez thanked the chair before his follow-up questions.
- 1:39:55 During Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez questioning, Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez asked that the report issues be taken up at a separate meeting.
- 1:40:28 The chair thanked Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez and said the nominee would answer the pending question before moving on.