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Roseville Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes – October 13, 2009 Page 5 of 7 recognized the need of the HRC to seek fina ncial contributions to further its work; and offered his support as a gay person believing in human rights, in opportunities for such open dialogue and welcoming engagement . Mr. Ritchie expressed concern with permitting Northwestern Collage to contribute financially to this effort, based on the statements included in their Student Handbook, a copy of which he had obtained through their website, and from which he read a por tion related to their stance and lack of tolerance related to homosexual behavior and their interpretation of Bible teachings. Mr. Ritchie advised that while recognizing th at it was a religious organization protected by the Constitution and had the option to dictate within their institution, he was disturbed by the College specifically singling out ho mosexual behavior of a student without considering other human attribut es. Mr. Ritchie e xpressed disappointment that the HRC, devoted to diversity that in cludes gays, lesbians, transg ender and bi-sexual options, would consider accepting donations from an organization that represented such intolerance that appeared to be opposite of the HRC’s interest in being welcoming and diverse. Mr. Ritchie, as an example, questio ned whether this would not be comparable to including the KKK for sponsorsh ip in such an event. Chair Singleton thanked Mr. Ritchie for his comments and for bringing this to the attention of the HRC, and asked what action Mr. Ritchie would like from the HRC. Mr. Ritchie opined that while re specting the intent of the HRC, he found inclus ion of this sponsorship offensive; and at a minimum, th e HRC carefully consider whom they should accept donations from in the future, and car efully review the philosophy of sponsors. Discussion among Commissioners and Mr. Ritchie included various perceptions and inclusivity of and for a ll representative groups. Member McKenzie clarified th at the HRC was there for ever yone and the City needed to function without exclusion and with a ll groups having a voice at the table. Chair Singleton observed that there were multiple factors to be discussed; and opined that resolution could not be achieve d in one meeting. Chair Sing leton thanked Mr. Ritchie for making the HRC aware of this situation and advised that acceptance of future donations and/or sponsorships would be taken under consideration. Member Jaeger, speaking as a person with a gay family member, expressed appreciation to Mr. Ritchie for his concern related to language and cautioned about drawing conclusions where no intent was indicated. Member Jaeger opined that she didn’t read the Student Handbook the same way Mr. Ritc hie had, and while avoiding making a judgment about the institution itself, and from her personal family experience, she could not come to the same conclusions as those expressed by Mr. Ritchie. Member Jaeger further opined that the HRC wanted to bri ng all people to the table and questioned how the HRC could make a difference it th ey attempted to exclude people.