Jennifer Gracia

Jennifer Gracia – Candidate for City Council At-Large

– How do you plan to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity?

 I have always been a strong advocate for fairness and equality, and I am committed to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have equal opportunities and are treated with respect. Through my various roles, I have been working on these issues by promoting inclusive policies and supporting initiatives that foster diversity and inclusion. I believe in creating a safe, welcoming environment for everyone, and I will continue to fight for the rights of all individuals in our community to ensure they receive fair treatment.

 – What is your position on the local government’s role in protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination?

As a candidate for City Council, I firmly believe that our local government has a critical role in ensuring that all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are treated fairly and with respect. Everyone deserves to live free from discrimination, and it’s our responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment for all. I support policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in housing, employment, and public services. By fostering equality and standing up for the rights of all people, we strengthen our community as a whole. Together, we can ensure that Corpus Christi is a place where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels valued.

– How would you promote initiatives or policies that support diversity and inclusivity across Corpus Christi?

Promoting diversity and inclusivity across Corpus Christi is something I’m deeply committed to. I have always been an ally of the LGBTQIA community, and I believe that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or background, deserves fair treatment and equal opportunities.

I would actively support initiatives, events, activities and policies that foster an inclusive environment where all residents feel safe, respected, and empowered. This could involve working to ensure that the city offers training programs for city employees on diversity and inclusion, pushing for ordinances that protect against discrimination, and creating spaces where underrepresented voices are heard and valued.

By collaborating with local organizations, advocacy groups, and community members, we can make sure Corpus Christi continues to grow as a welcoming city for all, one that celebrates our differences and unites around our shared goals. Together, we can build a more inclusive future for every individual and family in our community.

In addition, we would like to know your thoughts on the current situation with the Corpus Christi Public Library advisory board, which has proposed removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles from the library’s collection development policy. Many residents are concerned about the potential impact this could have on ensuring our public libraries represent the diverse needs of our community.

I strongly oppose the proposal to remove Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles from the Corpus Christi Public Library’s collection development policy. Our public libraries are meant to serve all members of the community, and DEI principles are essential to ensuring that our collections reflect the diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives that make our city unique.

Removing these principles would send the wrong message—that some voices and stories are less valued than others. It’s crucial that our libraries remain inclusive spaces where everyone, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, can find themselves represented in the resources available. This policy helps create an environment that fosters understanding and respect for different viewpoints, which strengthens our community as a whole.

I believe in fair treatment and equal opportunities for all citizens, and that includes ensuring our public libraries continue to promote inclusion and diversity. Removing DEI principles would hinder progress toward that goal, and I stand with the residents who are concerned about its impact.