US Commission approves 2026–2030 strategic plan amid commissioners’ procedural complaints about New York SAC meetings

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights voted to approve its five-year strategic plan (2026–2030) during the March 20 business meeting. Chair Rochelle Garza moved the plan, the vice chair seconded, and the final roll-call vote was six in favor, zero opposed, and two abstentions (Commissioners Adams and Kursnell). Chair Garza and Commissioner McInty recorded affirmative votes.

Following the vote, commissioners engaged in an extended discussion about state-advisory-committee procedures, focusing on the New York State Advisory Committee. Commissioner McInty and others raised concerns that a March 11 New York meeting went forward when several members could not attend, that a concept paper was materially altered on short notice, and that at least one member may have been prevented from speaking. There were also allegations that a DFO’s email was compromised, producing unequal access to meeting materials for committee members.

Acting staff director Merrick Xavier Brier said his office would follow up and meet with RPCU leadership and the New York DFO to investigate. Several commissioners urged staff not to approve the New York committee’s proposal or advance related investigations until staff resolves the procedural complaints and confirms compliance with the commission’s administrative instructions. Commissioner Jones urged expedited filling of a vacancy on the New York advisory committee to reduce the perception of partisanship and to restore committee functionality.

Commissioners also discussed meeting format and logistics after audio and background-noise problems during the teleconference (including a fire alarm at a presenter’s office). Staff said an in-person meeting is scheduled for April and that additional in-person meetings are planned in June, contingent on budget and planning.