HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-05 Human Relations Advisory Committee MinutesoruG
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Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Human Relations Advisory Committee ` - .2 A & 09
Date: 2016 -05 -05 Time: 7 pm
Building: Reading Police Station Location: Community Room
Address: 15 Union Street
Purpose: Meeting Session:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Lori Hodin, David Clark (came in at 8:50), Linda Snow - Dockser, Lynn
Dominic, Kyung Yu, Seema Lynch, Heather McLean
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Jessica Squires, Christine Hansen, Holly Humphrey, 2 members of
Wakefield Human Rights Commission (Bill and Bob), 2 members from
Arlington Human Rights Commission (Sheri Baron and Christine Carney)
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Lynn Dornink
Topics of Discussion:
Heather, as new chair, called the meeting to order asking if there was any news
anyone would like to share. After a brief discussion, Heather then explained that HRAC is
seeking to redefine its framework in order to improve visibility as well as its ability to do
outreach, education, and mediation. Seema had invited members from Arlington's Human
Rights Commission (AHRC) for help in finding a model that would move HRAC toward a
more autonomous body with a well - defined role within the town. (Something that AHRC
seems to have accomplished). Heather noted survey of Reading townspeople that supports
need /desire for HRAC.
Sheri explained AHRC's history. They were formed during a "20/20" visioning session
which asked Arlington to define future goals for several decades. She stated that the
committee was voted into existence by a narrow margin as many people in the town did not
think a Human Rights committee was necessary. She noted that AHRC did not get
"subpoena power" when dealing with mediation issues— meaning that they cannot compel
respondents to come to mediation with the complainant, but can only request their
presence. ARHC works closely with their town counsel. They also have always had at least
one certified mediator on the commission since its inception.
Christine distributed AHRC by -laws and discussed examples of how they work with
the town. She noted that AHRC works closely with the Chief of Police and that he informs
AHRC of hate crimes so that they can reach out to complainants. She described how AHRC
responded to a recent spate of vandalism of "Black Lives Matter" signs. They wrote a press
release, which did not have to be approved by the town, and they helped co- ordinate a
candlelight vigil, both of which expressed their stand against the vandalism. Christine also
noted that AHRC often partners with other human rights focused committees, such as the
Commission on Disabilities.
There was then a discussion on how HRAC might go about passing by -laws in order
to become more clearly focused on human rights and to achieve a greater level of
autonomy. Sheri suggested that two things must happen. First, that we need a by -law that
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says it is illegal to discriminate against certain protected classes; and second, that those
who do discriminate will be held accountable.
Christine then talked about how AHRC holds 4 dialogues each year as away to
connect with and educate the community. An example was a dialogue on the issue of racial
profiling where the Arlington Chief of Police shared statistics on traffic stops, tickets given,
etc., and how race may or may not correlate. She also noted that AHRC sponsored a
"Transgender 101" training for police, school staff, and other town employees. Christine
noted that these dialogues are often "preaching to the choir," but that they are still an
Important part of AHRC's mission. She also stated that AHRC has a yearly budget of
$4500.00, which is a line item in the town budget.
The discussion then turned back to HRAC and how they could best prepare for the
meeting with the Board of Selectmen, which is scheduled for June 7. The members agreed
to go forward with the presentation. The sub - committee (Seema, Heather, and Lynn) will
meet to create a power point to show HRAC at the next meeting, which will be May 31.
Linda moved that HRAC be present at Reading's June 110 "Friends and Family Day." Lori
seconded this, and the motion passed 6 -0. After voting, Lori left meeting at 8:45.
As many surrounding towns are members of the Massachusetts Human Rights
Commission (MHRC), Linda made a motion that HRAC join as well. Lynn seconded. Vote was
5 -0 in favor. The Wakefield Human Rights Commission is also attending the Massachusetts
Commission on Discrimination in June. Lt. Clark entered meeting at 8:50.
The discussion returned to how HRAC could best prepare for the June 7 presentation
and make clear that we would like to partner with the Selectman. Seema will have a follow -
up discussion with Kevin about how we might best go about this. Christine Hansen and the
members of AHRC left at 9:45. Lt. Clark will check to see whether he or Chief Segalla will
attend the June 7th meeting. Seema made a motion to approve the minutes and Kyung
seconded. The vote was 6 -0 in favor. Seema made a motion to adjourn and Lt. Clark
seconded. The vote was 6 -0 in favor. Meeting adjourned at 9:45.
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