Civil Rights and Wrongs for November 30, 2021

This week we hear about the recent spate of hate incidents that occurred in Austin a few weeks ago.  Our first guest is Alison Alter, Member of Austin City Council representing District 10.  Alison discusses the civic impact and community response to the arson at Congregation Beth Israel, along with the defacement and expressions of hatred that took place in Northwest Austin.  In addition, Alison briefs us on other Council activities.  Michelle Manning-Scott joins us as well.

Next, we hear from Rabbi Neil Blumofe, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Agudas Achim.  He reflects on the historic and spiritual significance of hateful pronouncements and anti-Semitic activity.  Neil just returned from Brunswick, Georgia where he and others offered support to the family of Ahmaud Arbery. Jim Harrington, retired founder of the Texas Civil Rights Project, adds his own perspective on the matter of hatred in the context of the struggle for civil rights.

Later, Austin Sanders, Staff Writer for the Austin Chronicle, reports on the latest efforts to update the city’s Land Development Code.  Instead of a comprehensive approach, which has proved to be unwieldy and susceptible to lawsuits, Council appears to be favoring a piecemeal approach.