HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRCMinutes_2018_01_08Brookings Human Rights Commission Minutes
Monday,January 8, 2018
Room 300 Community Room, Brookings City & County Government Center
Attendance:Steve Bayer, chair;Maggie Owens, vice-chair;Lawrence Novotny, recorder;Laura Renee Chandler;
George Hamer;Penny Hauffe;Hanna Holmquist;Meagan Irvine-Miller (student representative);Erinn Osborne;
Shafiqur Rahman (county representative); Nathan Ziegler, SDSU liaison;Shari Thornes, city clerk-staff;
Absent: none
Chair Bayer called the meeting to order at 12:03 pm.
New Members were introduced:
Erinn Osborne works for the Boys & Girls Club of Brookings, Moody & Yankton Counties.She is serving a 3-year
term and replaces Chandradhar Dwivedi.Hanna Holmquist is completing the remaining 2-years of Judy Karen’s
term who resigned last month. Hanna is an academic advisor in the SDSU Honors College.
A motion was made by Hamer, seconded by Chandler,to adopt the agenda.All present voted yes;motion
carried.
A motion was made by Hamer, seconded by Hauffe, to approve the minutes of the December 11 meeting. All
present voted yes; motion carried.
Thank You from Mayor Keith Corbett
The Mayor expressed his appreciation for the work of the BHRC.He stated that people feel safe and welcomed
in Brookings. He stated the mission of HRC is very important, and he is proud to be mayor of the only city in SD
that has adopted a resolution of inclusivity,which was initiated by BHRC.This is the first time a Mayor has
addressed the HRC.
Survey:
Owens is asking HRC members to complete a survey with an objective to help determine how to make the most
out of each member’s role as commissioners by making use of one’s passions and interests.Copies of Don
Clifton’s book Discover Your Clifton Strengths were distributed to commissioners who were asked to read the
first 31 pages and then complete an assessment.The objective is to make the BHRC more effective and focus on
what the commissioners strengths. This assessment will be used to develop goals instead of task assignments.
Public Education Plan to Promote BHRC Ordinance:
The profile of BHRC needs to be raised. We will request the Human Rights Campaign to issue a press release
acknowledging Brookings for adopting the September amended ordinance that includes sexual orientation and
gender identity.A strategic plan needs to be developed to promote an inclusive work force , and it was
suggested to partner with Brookings Economic Development Corporation who is in the process of developing
their plan.Additionally, proactive training for employers and landlords was suggested.
King Display and Awards:
The awards recognition program will be held during the January 23 City Council Meeting. Owens will announce
the winners.The posters will be put on display in downtown business windows on Saturday, January 13 (by
Hamer, Novotny and Osborne)and taken down on Saturday, January 27 (by Chandler, Holmquist and Hauffe).
Co-sponsorship of SDSU International Conference on Global Human Rights:
The conference is tentatively scheduled for October. Hamer will follow-up with conference organizer Dr. Alicia
Partnoy and report back.
Community Common Read:
Current Mayor Corbett and SDSU President Dunn are involved in drafting a formal cooperative agreement.The
agreement will include a provision for tickets to the Griffith Forum Lecture Speaker for the commissioners.
Holmquist will be BHRC representative on the SDSU Common Read Committee and will advocate for a book with
a human rights component.
Diversity Potluck:
The Diversity Potluck is scheduled for April 15.It was suggested to have BHRC members speak to promote BHRC.
Rahman and Ziegler left at this point.
Legislative Updates:
The Session begins tomorrow.
2017 Annual Report:
Novotny will draft the annual report with assistance from Miller and Owens.
Calendar:
Jan 13 –Hang Martin Luther King, Jr. Award posters
Jan 23 –Martin Luther King, Jr. Award Presentations
Jan 27 –Take down Martin Luther King, Jr. Award posters
Feb 12 –BHRC meeting
Adjourn:Motion made to adjourn at 1:10 pm.All approved.
Submitted by Lawrence Novotny, recorder