HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHRCMinutes_2009_12_17Brookings Human Rights Committee
Minutes of the Meeting of December 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.
City Hall, 311 Third Avenue
Present: Patty Bacon (new member), Ann Marie Bahr, Steve Bayer, Dwivedi
Chandradhar, George Hamer, Dianne Nagy, Lawrence Novotny, Jay Vargas and
Shari Thornes
Not Present: Angela Hatton, Penny Hauffe, and Ashley Kuecker
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1. Call to Order: 11:22 a.m.
2. Welcome new member and introductions: Patty Bacon (not sure if that is the
correct spelling) was introduced as the new committee member. Present HRC
members introduced themselves.
3. Adoption of the Agenda was so moved by Dwivedi Chandradhar, seconded by Ann
Marie Bahr and approved by voice vote.
4. Approval of the November 19th minutes was so moved by Dwivedi Chandradhar,
seconded by Ann Marie Bahr and approved by voice vote.
5. Next meeting: January 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.
February 2, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.
New Business:
6. SDSU Class Report. Ann Marie Bahr’s class (REL 499: History of Islam)
presented information regarding paid advertisements in the Town and Country
Shopper newspaper regarding religious affiliation. Pastor Jim Mettenbrink from the
Church of Christ presents viewpoints regarding one particular faith, Islam. He tends
to discredit Islam using the Bible to justify his viewpoints. The class spoke to both
groups and used a survey to obtain information regarding viewpoints of the
participants. They held a forum to bring in the community together to discuss the
different faiths and clarify misinformation that sometimes is taken as fact.
7. Schedule special meeting with Equality SD on proposed change in state anti-
discrimination law. Looking for support and endorsement from the BHRC and be a
co-sponsor. Meeting date has been set for 1/7/10 at noon to get more information
about Equality SD and the proposed change in the state anti-discrimination law.
8. 2009 Annual Report to the City Council. Deadline is February 15, 2010.
9. Election of 2010 Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Recorder). Ann Marie Bahr is the
chair of the subcommittee to obtain nominations. No action was taken.
10. Goal Setting/Review of New Ordinance. A subcommittee was formed with
George Hamer and Dwivedi Chandradhar. Proactive in goals. Meet before February
15. Add the community wide event/one book idea and Native American Day (2010-
2011 school year) to the goals of the BHRC.
Updates and Final Reports:
11. Butler Award. 54 attended the event with the Mayor presenting the award to
Geoffrey Grant. A City Councilman and City Manager attended the event as well.
12. Dr. Martin Luther King Day Contest: the public library has been designated as the
location to hang the posters. Committee was told they have the entire month to
utilize the space.
13. Community-wide event/one book idea: Librarian and Dean are supportive of the
idea. Goals are consistent with engaging the students and community. Steve Bayer
will get in contact with Mayor Reed to discuss. **December and January Item**
14. Upcoming Events Calendar and Announcements:
January 8th MLK entry deadline
January 12 Human Rights Meeting-Judging Entries
January 18 MLK Day
January 26 City Council Meeting-MLK Award Winners
June-Aug 2010 Native American Day (2010-2011 school year); ask J. Brewer to
do a presentation presenting both sides and what is the meaning of
Thanksgiving Day.
15. Future Agenda Items:
January Dr. MLK Awards
Spring-Co-sponsorship of a Dr. MLK commemorative event in April 2010
16. Adjournment was voiced at 12:40 p.m.
Submitted by Jay Vargas, Secretary for the Brookings Human Rights Committee.
If your require assistance, alternative formats, and/or accessible locations consistent
with the American with Disabilities Act, please contact Shari Thornes, City ADA
Coordinator, at 692-6281 at least 3 working days prior to the meeting.