HERO Legislation Commentary

10/28/15 5:38am

During the 232 days HERO was in effect, 58 percent of reported cases of discrimination were based on race or national origin, 17 percent were gender based, 15 percent were based on age, 4 percent were based on disability, 4 percent were based on sexual orientation or gender identity and 2 percent were based on veteran status ... Houston needs a nondiscrimination ordinance because the absence of one affects a broad range of Houstonians.

Sarah Grefe, Graduate student

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Without HERO, many students who would add to our community may not even consider coming to a school in a city that doesn’t treat them as equal to their peers based on an arbitrary and uncontrollable classifications of worth. HERO would impact all of us directly. Even if you won’t suffer from discrimination, your classmates, professors and friends will.

Maurice Frediere, Duncan College freshman 

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In a country embedding “the golden rule” of “treat others how you want to be treated” within every elementary schooler, the message still rings hollow. The democratic ideal ... is pushed aside in favor of societal prejudice and the desire to get ahead. Anyone can be discriminated against and that is why we need a hero. Specifically, Houston needs HERO.

David Cirillo, Sid Richardson College sophomore

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