2008-05-01 Human Relations Advisory Committee Minutes

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RECEI VFO HUMAN RELATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTED L t3 P MINUTES RE ADG, i May 1, 2008, 7:30PM at Police Station First Floor Community Room 2909 AUG 2 ~ P 2: 45 Present: Margaret Soli, Chair; Lori Hodin, Karen Janowski representative from the School Committee, Monique Pillow Gnanaratnam, Sergeant John McKenna representing Chief Cormier who was away at FBI School, P. Kelley, members and R. Jones associate member. The status of the case involving Irene Toland and the police was discussed briefly. At the most recent hearing the case was continued again at the request of Ms. Toland's attorney in order to search for and obtain a copy of a video of her interrogation which she believes exists. It is believed that her children may report on having been quite frequently stopped while driving which they believe to have been racially motivated. The hearing is rescheduled for May 28. The Chair reported on a program on May 10 on immigration and the New Bedford raid at the Arlington Street Church from 11 to 3:30 which members may wish to attend. There will be a Latino lunch. She also noted that the Advocate reports on a program sponsored by St. Athanasius Churches on Catholic perspectives on the immigration issue to be held on May 7. The minutes of the meeting of March 6 were approved. In lieu of the April meeting members attended the Racism workshop at the Unitarian-Universalist Church (the U-U). Lori reported on the trip to the Boston Public Library to observe the Choosing to Participate Exhibit and the four available exhibits. Margaret noted that in the course of the sessions on racism at the U-U, she heard a speaker of color who was very impressive and she asked her if she would come to Reading to speak. The speaker is willing to do so but would like to be accompanied in her presentation by another, a white person, rather that to do the presentation on her own. The Chair will attempt to arrange a date for her in May or the first two weeks in June and, if not, to consider it in September. Lori suggested giving recognition to a high school student with a Cultural Awareness Award. Margaret said she had sent a letter to the Editor but recently has had difficulty getting letters in the Chronicle. It was decided not to meet in the summer and to explore obtaining for showing documentaries such as that shown at the U-U Racism meetings and also the Metco Film, Too Far from Home. It was noted that Watertown and the Massachusetts Municipal League have pulled out of the No Place for Hate with the ADL. This was a good program and hopefully the Mass. League will revive it under a different sponsorship. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 Respectfully submitted Paul A. Kelley, Secretary