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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHRCMinutes_2014_11_20Brookings Human Rights Committee Minutes Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. Suite 230, Room 241- Brookings City & County Government Center Attendance: Penny Hauffe, Chandradhar Dwivedi, Shafiqur Rahman, Sam Jennings, Hanna Larsen, Judy Karen, Steve Bayer and Lawrence Novotny. Absent: George Hamer and Patty Bacon. Also present: City Staff Shari Thornes. Hauffe called the meeting to order at 12:32 pm. A motion was made by Dwivedi, seconded by Bayer, to approve the agenda. Motion carried. A motion was made by Larsen, seconded by Bayer, to approve the October 23, 2014 minutes. Motion carried. Schedule next meeting date. December 18, 2014 at 12:00 pm. Proposed Legislation in 2015. A measure to add gender identity to non-discrimination statement will likely be killed in committee (per usual). This is a tiring process to propose and defend to see it defeated repeatedly. Sioux Falls Diversity Conference Report. This was the 7th annual conference with an estimated 300 attendees. Registration was $65. Sessions included: microaggressions – “Did I say that?” – with particular application to the workplace; experience of refugees and undocumented workers; “Welcoming our Transgender Family and Friends: Opening the Door” presented by Terri Carlson, regional director of PFLAG; film presentation where parents recognize their transgendered child and raise them accordingly. Transgender represent 2-5% of the population. Suicide attempts among 41% due to societal pressures of church and family (among others to lesser degree). Thornes questioned Carlson about diversity training for law enforcement and others. Carlson was excited and knows another trainer with experience in law enforcement training. Other presentations included: Chandradhar Dwivedi’s on workplace accommodations for religious beliefs, with multiple other faiths represented; Kendra, 21 years old, regarding her experiences in Sioux Falls; youth perspective on overcoming adversity in diversity (panelists college age or older with two from Africa and one from Omaha); bullying in the workplace (mobbing) – recommendation is to change jobs/department, last resort is quitting; and working with disability and engaging in sports/fitness facilities. The conference also reflected on human resources policies regarding dress code and sensitivities to food and other behaviors that may have a social impact on the workplace. The Human Rights Committee would support future conference attendance. Novotny displayed scorecards at the South Dakota table – well done! Thornes received congratulations from others at the conference regarding Brookings’ scorecard. Many positive comments regarding Brookings’ representation at the conference. Form 2014 Annual Report Subcommittee. Dwivedi volunteered to compile an annual report based on the minutes and have a draft report ready for the January meeting. Form Nominating Committee for Vice-Chair Position. There was discussion to nominate recorder Bacon. Dwivedi and Jennings volunteered to be on the committee. Review of 2014 Budget Report. A motion was made by Dwivedi, seconded by Rahman, to sponsor the Common Film Series in the amount of $500. Motion carried with Novotny abstaining. Reports/Updates. a. 2014 Community-Campus Common Read – The Will Allen presentation went well with a lively and engaging audience. The Human Rights Committee was given VIP seats. Allen produces soil at a rate of 80% compost to 20% soil. The program and promotional items did not reference the Sustainability Council as sponsors. Congratulations were given to Larsen for coordinating student volunteers and support. In the future, need to consider the pairing of the Diversity Potluck with the Common Read events. The Committee needs to work with the 109 classes to advise students that this is participatory event – bring food. In the next event, ask Aramark to donate food. Nominations are open for the 2015 Common Read book with selection anticipated prior to the 2014 winter break. b. Renter’s Rights & Responsibilities Brochure – Revisions include enlarging font and adding information about emotional support and service/support animals. Before finalizing, verification is needed regarding contact details. Also need to translate the document into Spanish. Thornes will be printing the brochure. Please contact Thornes with any updates or edits. Distribution will be discussed at the next meeting. Jennings working on printing URLs on the utility bill. c. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Award Program – Sioux River Bicycle & Fitness is the final poster display location. Hauffe to contact Robb Rasmussen to confirm. Mary McLeod Bethune, a teacher from Brooklyn, NY, is asking for paper to participate in the program. Judging will be on December 9 from 10:00 am until noon, or until finished. d. Welcoming Campaign for Residents – Committee includes Hauffe, Karen and Hamer. Tabled until December meeting. e. Rally for the Right – The subcommittee reported on “Not in our town” initiative. The film “Walking in Oak Creek” to be used as an educational opportunity. Recommendations will be next month. f. Brookings Equality Index Scorecard – The press release was sent and there was a good review on the article. The Committee is looking at transitioning into a commission and has reviewed examples from Iowa City, Sioux Falls and Rapid City. A draft will be reviewed by the City Attorney, and then approved by the Human Rights Committee. The Committee will invite Lieutenant Derrick Powers to the January meeting and ask him what the Committee can do to support him and how we can partner. Announcements/Correspondence/Calendar: • December 18th – Brookings Holiday Celebration, hosted by Mayor Tim & Mary Reed, 5-7 pm, Swiftel Center • South Dakota Education Campus in Brookings. Multiculturalism and Diversity: A Framework for Inclusion. o http://www.sdedcampus.com/#/adultCourses o Registration $50. Offered 4 times in December. • Brookings reconciliation recently met. They are looking at publicity and letter-writing regarding mascot and team name changes. Would the Committee see our role as supportive of their work? Generally, yes, the Human Rights Committee would provide support. Adjourn. A motion was made by Dwivedi, seconded by Bayer, to adjourn. All present voted yes; motion carried. Meeting adjourned 1:25 p.m. Submitted by Sam Jennings.