2016-12-06 Human Relations Advisory Committee Minutes

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orKo. Town of Reading e Meeting Minutes C/6J9"4 MCOR90P*� Board - Committee - Commission - Council: �® RVED WNECLERK ANG, MASS. Human Relations Advisory Committee 1011 JAN -q A 8: 30 Date: 2016-12-06 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Meeting Session: Attendees: Members - Present: David Clark, Linda Snow-Dockser, Heather McLean, Seema Lynch, Lori Hodin Members - Not Present: Lynn Dornink, Kyung Yu Others Present: Ruthie Wilson, Jess Squires, Lily Mittnight, Devika Ellen Hill, Gina McCormick, Kaitlyn Mercurio, Kate Goldlust, Amy Cole, Demetra Tseckares Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Lori Hodin on behalf of Lynn Dornink Topics of Discussion: Public comment idea—in reaction to recent election there have been a number of communities that have put out of resolution, served on trustees of town in NY, an example is out of San Francisco. Use document to reaffirm/affirm that we're a welcoming city/town. I'd like to focus on welcoming Muslim families in our town. I'm willing to do draft document. I want it to be in Reading, doesn't have to be any bigger. Asked Barry Berman what's the process, he directed me here. Heather- we've talked about a human rights proclamation Linda- 3 years ago Jason Lewis approached our committee to ask if we wanted to send out a resolution. Process- we'd craft something then send it to Selectmen, they'd decide whether they wanted to publish it. I'm political, I want selectmen to look at San Francisco statement. At this moment in our American history, we want to point out—not in our town. Seema- we cannot present anything that might be viewed as political. Linda—goal is to build consensus Heather- we have to tone ourselves down and be more neutral. It's nice to hear from fighters. If you're interested in a more nuanced approach then I offer that. Linda- if we think about our mission we can be transparent and bi-partisan. I want people to literally sign it, maybe at MLK day celebration, we need to get permission. It's a small think, a reiteration of what Reading claims to be. There's a lot in the air. I like both ideas, because we don't want to wait until something happens. Seema, Lynn and Heather met with Wakefield Human Rights Commission Maybe create a joint subcommittee reps from HRAC and selectmen to write Page 1 1