2016-01-07 Human Relations Advisory Committee Minutes

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tlN ora Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Ito RECEIVED TOWN CLERK Board - Committee - Commission - Council: READING, MASS. 2016 FEB —8 A 8: 091 Date: 01 -07 -2016 Time: 7 pm Building: Reading Police Station Location: Community Room Address: 15 Union Street Purpose: Meeting Session: Attendees: Members - Present: Lori Hodin, Mark Segalla (left at 7:30), Heather McLean, David Clark, Seema Lynch, Kyung Yu, Linda Snow Dockser (arrived at 8:30) Members - Not Present: Monique Grananman Others Present: Sherilla Lestrade, Ruthie Wilson, Katherine Grayson, Susan Gaskell, Jess Squires, Lily Mittnight, Gio Chang, Mahe Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Lynn Dornink Topics of Discussion: HRAC welcomed guest, Gio Chang, a Reading resident who had been told about the committee by Rev Kyung Yu. Chief Mark Segalla introduced Lt. David Clark who will be attending HRAC Meetings. Meeting moved to asking members to share newsrinsights: Topics raised included: ' Northeastem's decision to arm their campus police with assault weapons in the case of an active shooter incident. 'cartoon from Globe about Trump, noting the divisive nature of his campaign. • Reading public schools are doing mindfulness activities according to a Globe article. • some families had reported that their kids felt some clubs are exclusive (racially). Example —the students had applied to AWOD and not been accepted. It made the students feel like some clubs are only for Caucasians. Student stated that she had applied with 2 friends, one Indian - American and the other Chinese-American. Neither was selected. Is there a place for race in application process? No. `Christine put on agenda for next meeting: `There was a discussion about whether or not Reading citizens could post flyers at Town Hall. Citizen had asked about posting pro - refugee flyers and been told "no' by the town clerk. The group then did a cultural sharing activity. Kyung reported that Reading Clergy Association discussed with librarians about bringing Debbie Irving, author of Waking Up White to town. The Clergy Council will contribute $450 to help fund the event, which will be sponsored by the library. HRAC will also talk to Selectmen about ways we can support the event. AWOD meets next Tuesday and will discuss table for MLK day. The GSP advisor, Ms Burke was going to collect cans for kids, but we think bags are safer. The drama club will also be offering something for presentation, and Lily will check in about the details. MILK updates: Each member should email 5 people to attend. Mahe was able to get $50 gift card from Market Basket. We still have a gift card from Target. Linda's working on Bagel world donation.Lod will pick up water bottle from Reading cooperative bank. Kyung will work together with HS student Paul Chung to make slideshow. Page 1 1