HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHRCMinutes_2008_07_25Brookings Human Rights Committee
Minutes of the Meeting of July 25, 2008 at 11:30 p.m.
City Hall, 311 Third Avenue
(amended)
Present: Geoffrey Grant, Kelley Tilman, Steve Bayer, George Hamer, Sandra Moore, Ann Marie
Bahr, Jay Vargas, new member Penny Hauffe and Shari Thornes
Not Present: Madeleine Andrawis and Tricia Wek-Visker
1. Call to Order: 11:34 a.m.
2. Welcome to new member Penny Hauffe and introductions
3. Adoption of the Agenda was so moved by Geoffrey Grant, seconded by Ann Marie Bahr and
approved by voice vote.
4. Approval of the June minutes was so moved by George Hamer, seconded by Geoffrey Grant
and approved by voice vote.
5. Scheduled next meeting: August 12, 2008 at 11:30 a.m.
6. Discussion regarding Brookings School District Curriculum with Dorothy Zuiderhof,
Curriculum Director for the School District:
Ms. Zuiderhof informed committee that the state sets up a broad mandate regarding
diversification in the classroom and it is left up to the school districts themselves to
specifically address diversification within the classroom. Ms. Zuiderhof mentioned that the
state sets curriculum guidelines for everyone in general and it is up to the individuals within
the school districts to address culture and diversity depending on those attending their
schools. She added that the school district does not provide training and the university
provides minimal training—instructors must bring outside resources to incorporate culture
into their curriculum. Ms. Zuiderhof has agreed to attend future meetings to keep committee
informed of changes within the curriculum that address diversification within the classroom.
7. Attendance at Cultural Diversity Conference—Moorhead, MN—August 12th:
If anyone is interested, they need to notify Shari today or ASAP. Penny indicated that she
might be able to attend the conference.
8. Report from Ordinance Review Committee (Bahr, Grant). Ann Marie Bahr stated that the
subcommittee agreed to add sexual orientation to the HR section of the ordinance. In
addition, change the purpose statement and be proactive not reactive. Additional changes
will need to be made prior to submission to city council for approval. Steve stated he wants
to continue to broaden the scope of the committee. George commented that
clarification/specification would be needed as to which one document you would first follow
(‘1964 Civil Rights Act;’ the UN declaration and/or adding documents such as the ‘Civil and
Human Rights Act’ that Minnesota uses).
9. Diversity Potluck: George Hamer told committee he will make the needed changes to the
flyer for the Fall Diversity Potluck. The printed materials will be updated by George Hamer
and provided to committee members and Bonnie for distribution. George Hamer would
provide the committee with the flyer and poster for the spring. This will be a promotion for
the spring potluck to inform those community members attending the fall potluck to keep the
date open. **August agenda item**
10. Fall Human Rights Forum: maybe have a youth of the community assembly or a HR
workshop at the middle school(s) to commence with the festival of cultures in March.
**Tabled item for November Agenda**
11. Financial Contribution Announcement: **Tabled—August agenda**
12. Upcoming Events Calendar and Announcements:
Cultural Diversity Conference—August 12th
13. Future Agenda items:
August
Butler Award
Diversity Potluck—flyer and poster
Financial Contribution Announcement
Fund Raising – Vanessa Merhib (Tricia asking Vanessa to attend)
September
Fund Raising – Dianne Nagy (Madeleine asking Dianne to attend)
November
Fall Human Rights Forum
14. Adjournment was so moved Steve Bayer at 12:29 p.m.
Submitted by Jay Vargas, Secretary for the Brookings Human Rights Committee.