2009-11-10_Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Roseville Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes -October 13, 2009 Page 6 of 7 1 Chair Singleton opined that each brought their own ideas and/or stereotypes, but that the 2 purpose of the HRC and the diversity forums was to open dialogue to bring people 3 together and allow them to work through their issues. Chair Singleton further opined that 4 each of us was brought up differently, but that this didn't mean that a person's intent was 5 to discriminate and that care needed to be given before accusing anyone of 6 discrimination. Chair Singleton advised that he would review the Student Handbook 7 before making an informed assessment. 8 9 Member Yates opined that the current situation would indicate that the HRC may have 10 inadvertently listed a sponsor whose inclusion made an unintended message to others that 11 all are not welcome. While not having a recommendation resolution at this time, 12 Member Yates suggested further review and possible development of criteria for future 13 events and potential sponsorships. 14 15 Member McKenzie opined that the HRC needed to provide a welcome to all human 16 beings in the community and to find a way to avoid segregation of groups that develop 17 into crises. Member McKenzie further opined that it was important that anyone at the 18 HRC table provide a welcome for all, and individually and corporately work through 19 their issues. 20 21 Member Grefenberg provided examples of another call he'd received from a recipient of 22 the flyer, also a gay resident in the community, related to sponsorship by Northwestern 23 College and their apparent expulsion of any gay students. Member Grefenberg suggested 24 the potential inclusion of a representative organization of the GLTB community as a 25 sponsor for future events to avoid perceptions that those events and promotional materials 26 related to them are not intended as welcoming to all. Member Grefenberg expressed his 27 frustration in the continued lack of civil rights and laws to protect and provide equal 28 rights for all citizens. Mr. Grefenberg expressed appreciation that one of the four 29 speakers at this year's Forum was a gay man. 30 31 Member Oftelie suggested that this sounded like a perfect topic for consideration by the 32 City's Ethics Commission to provide assistance to the HRC, given the ramifications and 33 issues involved. 34 35 Member McKenzie opined that this was a much bigger issue that needed to be the topic 36 of future forums and suggested that those representing gay rights and representatives 37 from Northwestern College sit down together to find a level of agreement from which to 38 build. 39 40 Member Kennedy opined that she had not joined the HRC to take on Northwestern 41 College, Boy Scouts, or other groups having less tolerant viewpoints. Member Kennedy 42 echoed those comments expressed by Member Yates and supported Member Oftelie's 43 suggestion to refer the issue to the Ethics Commission. Member Kennedy said if the 44 HRC promoted inclusion, they needed to think about accepting donations from 45 exclusionary groups; however, clarified they needed to be included at the HRC table.