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Human Rights Commission Minutes August 19, 2015 Page 5 of 9 c. Update on Student Essay Contest Commissioner Christiansen stated the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions had decided not to use the question submitted by Roseville for the essay contest. She feels that this decision will make teachers feel like they have not been heard and the question would not correspond with the curriculum. The League is forming a question around the disproportionate intervention between law enforcement and people of color. Chair Groff stated the Commission could decide to continue with their own question but this would mean that the City and the students would not be able to participate next year in the State contest. Commissioner Christiansen stated if the contest remains local the prizes would be: $100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place. The prizes for the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions has been changed to: $300 for first place, $200 for second place, $100 for third place, and honorable mention is $25. Commissioner Carey pointed out that the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions is late with presenting the question for all communities, meaning no city has an advantage over another. She asked why the City would proceed with their own contest rather than continuing to participate in the State contest. Chair Groff stated the League might have the question available in within the next couple of weeks. Commissioner Christiansen expressed disappointment that the League and the Commission had concerns about low participation and the question that had been presented would bring participation up because it aligned with the curriculum throughout the State. Commissioner Slade stated the nature of the question the League is working on may encourage more participation because it is more relevant to what is happening in today's society. She asked if participants could choose what question they would want to answer and this would determine if they would be eligible for the State contest or the local contest. Chair Groff stated they would not want to present too many choices. Ms. Collins stated teachers might be reluctant to push working on an essay for the League question because it is controversial and the City would see a significant drop in participation. She clarified the two options the Commission had were to use the question prepared by the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions or Roseville could decide to use their own question and conduct their own local contest. Both options might pose future problems. Commissioner Carey stated Roseville's recommendation for a guestion had been presented to the League and had not been approved.