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Roseville Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes -October 13, 2009 Page 5 of 7 1 recognized the need of the HRC to seek financial contributions to further its work; and 2 offered his support as a gay person believing in human rights, in opportunities for such 3 open dialogue and welcoming engagement. Mr. Ritchie expressed concern with 4 permitting Northwestern Collage to contribute financially to this effort, based on the 5 statements included in their Student Handbook, a copy of which he had obtained through 6 their website, and from which he read a portion related to their stance and lack of 7 tolerance related to homosexual behavior and their interpretation of Bible teachings. 8 9 Mr. Ritchie advised that while recognizing that it was a religious organization protected 10 by the Constitution and had the option to dictate within their institution, he was disturbed 11 by the College specifically singling out homosexual behavior of a student without 12 considering other human attributes. Mr. Ritchie expressed disappointment that the HRC, 13 devoted to diversity that includes gays, lesbians, transgender and bi-sexual options, 14 would consider accepting donations from an organization that represented such 15 intolerance that appeared to be opposite of the HRC's interest in being welcoming and 16 diverse. Mr. Ritchie, as an example, questioned whether this would not be comparable to 17 including the KKK for sponsorship in such an event. 18 19 Chair Singleton thanked Mr. Ritchie for his comments and for bringing this to the 20 attention of the HRC, and asked what action Mr. Ritchie would like from the HRC. 21 22 Mr. Ritchie opined that while respecting the intent of the HRC, he found inclusion of this 23 sponsorship offensive; and at a minimum, the HRC carefully consider whom they should 24 accept donations from in the future, and carefully review the philosophy of sponsors. 25 26 Discussion among Commissioners and Mr. Ritchie included various perceptions and 27 inclusivity of and for all representative groups. 28 29 Member McKenzie clarified that the HRC was there for everyone and the City needed to 30 function without exclusion and with all groups having a voice at the table. 31 32 Chair Singleton observed that there were multiple factors to be discussed; and opined that 33 resolution could not be achieved in one meeting. Chair Singleton thanked Mr. Ritchie for 34 making the HRC aware of this situation and advised that acceptance of future donations 35 and/or sponsorships would be taken under consideration. 36 37 Member Jaeger, speaking as a person with a gay family member, expressed appreciation 38 to Mr. Ritchie for his concern related to language and cautioned about drawing 39 conclusions where no intent was indicated. Member Jaeger opined that she didn't read 40 the Student Handbook the same way Mr. Ritchie had, and while avoiding making a 41 judgment about the institution itself, and from her personal family experience, she could 42 not come to the same conclusions as those expressed by Mr. Ritchie. Member Jaeger 43 further opined that the HRC wanted to bring all people to the table and questioned how 44 the HRC could make a difference it they attempted to exclude people. 45