2008-09-04 Human Relations Advisory Committee Minutes

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RECEIVED HUMAN RELATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TOWN CLERK MINUTES READING, MiAs . September 4, 2008, 7:30PM at Police Station First Floor Community Room M AUG 24 P 2. 4`5 Present: Margaret Soli, Chair; Karen Janowski representative from the School Committee, Chief Cormier, Nancy Najmi, C. McDonald, P. Kelley, members and R. Jones associate member. The minutes of the meeting of May 1 were approved after noting corrections. Margaret Soli stated that she wished to step down as chair and to introduce new leadership. She suggested Nancy Najmi as the new Chair. Upon motion made and seconded Nancy was unanimously elected as Chair. The members discussed issues arising out of the series of John Russo's programs, called straight talk by him, on RCTV. Karen noted that the book which was the subject of his criticism in one program (Where the Heart Is) has been moved from the 9'th grade middle school reading list. Members noted that it was disturbing that maligned the Unitarian- Universalist Church one week after the shooting in a U -U Church in Tennessee. The consensus was that, while his programs were offensive to many such as gays and members of the U -U, he is entitled to freedom of speech and offensive language is not a hate crime. The recommendation of the U -U board members is to ignore him. Randall questioned whether the source of his use of the slogan "straight talk" was an adoption of Candidate McCain's slogan "the straight talk express ". Nancy recommended that rather than attempting steps to counter John Russo, it would be better to adopt a positive program to advance tolerance and spreading kindness. She suggested participating in the program being initiated at the high school known as Rachel's Challenge. It will commence with a video to be shown on October 30. Rachel was the first person killed at the Columbine shoot out several years ago. She was known as a very caring person and the program memorializes her and her kindness to reach out to those who are bullied or otherwise disparaged as outsiders such as those who were the perpetrators of the Columbine incident. The message of Rachel's Challenge is: Students have the power to make PERMANENT, POSITIVE, CULTURAL CHANGE in their schools and communities by accepting the challenge of Rachel Scott to start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion. See http : / /www.rachelschallenge.com. The Coalition against Substance Abuse will be involved. The date of October 30 should be put on the calendar and support should be encouraged from other groups and the churches. Chief Cormier reported on an incident of vandalism when a flat truck near the high school was spray painted and reference were made to the "gay agenda ". The incident is still being investigated and a determination has not been made whether the reference to gays was intended as hateful or not. Also in June the Department of Justice conducted the training in cultural diversity. Everyone on force attended. The program was worthwhile and he has received positive feedback from the attendees. Margaret reported that she attended the Citizen's Police Academy which was very interesting particularly the opportunity to ride along in the cruiser. She recommends the program Irene Toland's case came up again before a judge who evidenced surprise that it involved a faded registration plate. It was continued again to September or October. ,- At 9:30 the meeting was adjourned until October 2. Respectfully submitted. Paul Kelley, Secretary