ORDINANCE NO. 03-26: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 32, “DEPARTMENTS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS”, SECTION 32.64, “QUALIFICATIONS”, TO CLARIFY THE CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENT OF BOARD MEMBERS; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND AUTHORITY TO CODIFY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (FIRST READING) — Equal Protection Concerns - Police Advisory Board Appointments Process — City Commission (2026-02-03)

AI Summary

The Florida Attorney General's Office of Civil Rights wrote to Delray Beach's City Attorney on November 13, 2025, raising equal protection concerns about the Police Advisory Board appointment process. The letter objected to language in a September 30, 2025 advertisement stating "the City Commission shall endeavor to include as many racial and ethnic minority members as possible," arguing it suggests racial preference in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment and Florida's Constitution. The Attorney General requested the city review its appointment criteria to ensure they are race-neutral and comply with equal protection requirements.