Approved as to Form and Legality
DRAFT
________________________
City Attorney’s Office
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. _______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER TREVA REID
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ACA 8 (WILSON, D.) WHICH WOULD
PROHIBIT SLAVERY IN ANY FORM, INCLUDING FORCED LABOR
COMPELLED BY THE USE OR THREAT OF PHYSICAL OR LEGAL
COERCION
WHEREAS, the City of Oakland has taken serious steps to align with the abolition of slavery, including the following actions:
WHEREAS, in 2024, the Oakland City Council adopted resolution 90067 CMS, sponsored by Councilmember Treva Reid, recognizing January 2024 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the City of Oakland; and WHEREAS, in 2022, the Oakland City Council adopted resolution 89249 CMS declaring racism a public health crisis and reaffirming the city’s commitment to advancing racial equity; and WHEREAS, in 2021, the Oakland City Council adopted resolution 88843 CMS, supporting Assembly Constitutional Amendment 3 (Kamlager), removing the language “except to punish crime” from the California State Constitution, to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude without exception; and denouncing structural racism and any vestiges of slavery; and WHEREAS, Slavery is still legal...Passed in 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution is celebrated for abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude. However, to the Thirteenth Amendment includes an exception clause that allows slavery and involuntary servitude to be used as punishment for crime; and
WHEREAS, ACA 8 recognizes the fundamental human rights and dignity inherent in prohibiting slavery and forced labor in California; and WHEREAS, the bill aims to amend the California Constitution to explicitly prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude under any circumstance; and WHEREAS, ACA 8 addresses the historical and contemporary implications of slavery and forced labor, emphasizing the need for comprehensive legal protections; and
WHEREAS, the bill reaffirms California's commitment to upholding human rights standards and combating all forms of exploitation and coercion; and WHEREAS, ACA 8 emphasizes the importance of legislative action to ensure that no individual within California's jurisdiction is subject to slavery or forced labor; and WHEREAS, the prohibition of slavery and forced labor aligns with international human rights treaties and conventions ratified by the United States; and WHEREAS, ACA 8 aims to strengthen legal frameworks to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cases of slavery and forced labor effectively; and WHEREAS, the bill promotes public awareness and education on the history and impacts of slavery and forced labor, fostering a culture of respect for human rights and dignity; and WHEREAS, ACA 8 is co-sponsored by several organizations including but not limited to:
Abolish Slavery National Network, a national coalition fighting to abolish constitutional slavery and involuntary servitude in all forms, for all people, ACLU California Action, Aging People in Prison Human Rights Campaign, Anti -Recidivism Coalition, Anti -Violence Safety and Accountability Project, Coalition for a Just and Equitable California, Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice, Just Cities, Legal Services f or Prisoners with Children and Youth Leadership Institute; and
RESOLVED that the City Council supports ACA 8 (Wilson) in the California legislature; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: that the City Council directs the City Administrator or his designee to immediately distribute this resolution upon its adoption to Governor Gavin Newsom and State Assemblymember Lori Wilson.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - -FIFE, GALLO, JENKINS, KALB, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, REID, AND
PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST: ________________________________________
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California