HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-02-07 Human Relations Advisory Committee MinutesRECEWED
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HUMAN RELATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE - '
MINUTES' tJ G, i -t, rA S S
February 7, 2008, 7:30PM at Police Station First Floor CommunityMMOUG 20 Q -.A-x 3 6
Present: Margaret Soli, Chair; Lori Hodin, , Nancy Najmi, Chief J Cormier, P.
Kelley, and R. Jones, members; also present Kim Honetschlager, Priscilla Ryan and Jack
Downey.
Kim Honetschlager addressed the committee because she became concerned when, at the
Martin Luther King Day meeting, she learned about the incident involving Irene and Ed Toland
and that Irene had been arrested and taken to court on account of a traffic violation. Kim is
concerned because of her personal knowledge of and high regard for the Tolands and whether this
is another instance of racial profiling such as those alleged to have occurred in the past. She
wanted to know what happened and whether this committee was doing anything or should do
anything. Margaret advised that Irene was in court on January 30 and the case was put over to
March because she has a new lawyer who needed to obtain some discovery concerning the event.
Chief Cormier explained what is claimed to have happened in that Irene was stopped because the
registration plate on her vehicle was obscured and then, when requested to produce her license
and registration, refused to do so. The Chief said the officer involved claims she spent 15 minutes
trying to convince her to produce the documents but she continued to refuse to do so; the officer
had no choice. The chief said the officer did not know prior to stopping the vehicle that Irene was
black. She could not observe the driver clearly because of tinted windows and other
circumstances. Kim commented that in the past such events were publicized and she wondered
whether this should happen now or if something should be done. Paul commented that Irene had
refused to produce her license or registration because she believed and had been informed that
one could not be required to produce such identification unless one was first informed of an
offense that was alleged, but that, while that rule may apply in some circumstances such as when
one is stopped while walking along the street, Massachusetts has a statute which requires that a
driver of a motor vehicle produce such documents when asked and this makes a difference. Paul
said in his view the incident was unfortunate and the result of a mistake so that he had hoped it
could be dropped or settled. Chief Cormier said they were obliged to go forward and prosecute
the matter in order to protect the town from potential civil liability. It was noted that no other
incidents of potential racial profiling have been brought to the attention of the Committee.
Jack Downey next set forth the issue which concerned him. He lives on Whittier Road
and has been bothered for some time by the construction noise at the new high school. He was
off on the Martin Luther King Holiday and expected to able relax in peace at home but was
awakened early by construction work. He knew they were required to have a permit under the
by-law and contacted the police. He became concerned that by granting a permit on this holiday
without consulting the neighbors showed a lack of sensitivity and apparently the police felt he
was accusing the department of racism. Chief Cormier explained that he routinely denies request
for such permits on Sundays or holidays unless there is an emergency but in this case he felt it
was necessary or appropriate because the construction work at issue had to be done because of the
upcoming election to take place at the high school field house. Jack Downey acknowledged that
this had been explained to him, he was satisfied with the explanation and had not intended to raise
an issue of racism.
Lori Hodin explained the exhibit, Choosing to Participate, at the Boston Public Library
which has been produced by Facing History and Ourselves. The exhibition, which will be
open until May 20, focuses on four individuals and communities whose stories illustrate
the courage, initiative, and compassion that are needed to protect democracy and human
rights. It consists of four core stories: Little Things Are Big which tells of a decision made
on a late-night subway ride in New York City in the 1950s; Crisis In Little Rock which
describes the way people in the Little Rock, Arkansas community responded to the
integration of Central High School in 1957; Not in Our Town which tells of how
individuals and groups in Billings, Montana reacted to a series of hate crimes in 1993;
and Everyone Has a Story which depicts the challenges faced by a young Cambodian
refugee, Pan a flute player, and people in his community as he struggled to build a new
life in the United States.
Lori will look into the availability times when the members of the committee
might be able to attend as a group. Nancy will try to ascertain if people at the high school
are interested or making plans to attend.
The minutes for the meting of December 6 were approved.
Nancy noted that the Culture Fest will take place at the high School on February
10 from 3:00 to 5:30. She showed some of the material she was preparing for the event;
also she advised that the METCO Soul Food Luncheon will take place on February 29
Chief Cormier advised that he will be away for ten weeks from the end of March
to Early June during which time Lt. Cloonan will be in charge. The reason is that he will
be attending the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30.
And Remember that March 8 is International Women's Day! !
Respectfully submitted,.
Paul Kelley, Secretary.