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Discussion of Assessment of Racism in Dakota, Ramsey and Washington CoUnty <br />Commissioners generally were pleased with the in depth look af racism in the three counties. <br />They felt that the report discussed what is happening in the community and what people are <br />afraid to talk about. Commissioner Larry Voeller asked how this report compared with the <br />YWCA program that set up community dialogues. Both Chair McKenzie and Cornm.issioner <br />Wnuk had participated in the YWCA program and said the dialogues needed better continuity <br />and commitment. <br />Comnriissioners discussed many of their personal experiences understanding and relating to <br />racism and discrimination. Some Commissioners tal�Ced about "teaching moments" vcrhich <br />gave opportunities for Commissioners to educate abo�t racism and discrimination. <br />Commissioner Howard Wagner noted that a person was recently murdered in Minnesota for <br />doing that. A store clerk confronted a customer who was hassling a person with <br />developmental disabilities. The cuskomer left and returned with a gun and shot the store clerk. <br />Same Commissioners noted they felt things have gotten worse since 9-11-01. Others <br />expressed the need to continue to cducate and plant seeds of possibility with students. <br />Commissioners agreed that racistn is prevalent in Minnesota and Commissioners must <br />continue to try to make a difference. <br />Roseville Area Sctiools <br />Chair McKen�ie said she will continue to try to connect with RAS Diversity Coordinator <br />Johanna Eager. She will also try to set up a meeting with Superintendent Thein. <br />Husnan Rights Curr'rculum <br />Commissioner Steve Smith asked about ways to reach students to discuss human rights issues <br />in depth. He suggested that students should have to think critically about human rights. <br />Commissioners discussed the best possible way to do this including creating a Powerpoint <br />presentation to take to schools or drai�ing ideas for a curriculum to present to the schools. <br />Commissioner Smith will draft ideas for discussion at the next meeting. <br />Adjournrnent <br />Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. <br />2 <br />