2009-02-05 Human Relations Advisory Committee Minutes

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RECEIVED HUMAN RELATIONS ADVISORY COMMITT ~ R K MINUTES A D I G, F' S TX, February 5, 2009, 7:30PM at Police Station Community Co (MI~Qm 2` 4 14 Present: Nancy Najmi, Chair, Margaret Soli, Lori Hodin, Monique Gnanaratnam, K. Janowski, Chief Cormier, C. McDonald, P. Kelley, members After making a correction of the name of a speaker at a lecture on the slave trade, the minutes of the meeting of December 4 were approved. Margaret brought to the Committee's attention a proposal to amend provisions of the Massachusetts Civil Rights law in Chapter 12, Section 11 to remove the requirement that a violation of this law which would permit a private right of action for damages would have to be an intentional action thereby changing the rule established by Alexander v. Sandoval, 532 US 275 for Federal Law that only an intentional action would permit such a recovery by a private party. This proposal had been embodied in House No. 2235, support of it was recommended by the Massachusetts Association of HRCs, and Margaret questioned whether the Committee should support it. Paul said that the issue was complicated and such an amendment could expose the town to vastly expanded civil liability and town officials to liability for which they would not be protected by the state tort liability act. Chief Cormier also raised similar issues and that we should not make recommendations for the proposal without further understanding if its impact and the position of the town officials on the matter. The group entertained feedback about the Martin Luther King Event. All were highly favorable of the event in January. Among notable comments were that many were amazed that students were not aware of the violence in Boston which gave rise to the Norfleet Project; Rev. Tim's address stressed that issues of peace and justice were a vital part of the message of Martin Luther King; and that there was interest in making a service component part of the Martin Luther King event. Paul noted that the Rotary Club had expressed a willingness to make a contribution for the event but that, since most of the material had been donated and out of pocket expense of the committee members was nominal, it seemed unnecessary to call on that organization but rather to consider asking support in future particularly for the proposed Arts Contest. In connection with Project Challenge the students at the High School have been selling wrist bands to raise support for a fellow student in need. A discussion ensued concerning the upcoming RMHS drama Production of the Laramie Project. It has been established that the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) led by anti-homosexual propagandist Fred Phelps of Topeka, Kansas will be picketing the performance of March 13. This group has previously picketed in Lexington and the police there have communicated with Reading officers to educate them about the group. Basically the members of WBC are knowledgeable and legally astute so that they know what their rights are and the limitations on them. They are well trained and looking to provoke some conflict. Normally they can be expected to do their "thing" and leave. Chief Cormier explained the preparations being made and recommended that the attendees should ignore the pickets from WBC and attend the play to show support for the drama society. It is expected that members of the Reading Clergy will attend and show a silent protest of the picketing. Camille Anthony has reported an unpleasant incident at a Reading & Burlington basketball game at which allegations were made that Reading was recruiting basketball players through the METCO program. Members in general were unfamiliar with the issue, lacked details but were surprised that such allegations could be made. At the next meeting Rev. Kyung Yu from the Korean Church and some members from the church are expected to attend. It was noted how impressive their presentation at the MLK event was. Unfortunately they may report some unpleasant encounters in the town. The committee then adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Paul Kelley, Secretary.