2017-10-13-LHRC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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LPS STUDENT DISCIPLINE SURVEY An update was provided on the status of a survey being undertaken by the LHRC and the Commission on Disability. It was explained that the purpose of the survey is to obtain feedback about Lexington Public School (LPS) discipline from parents of LPS Black and Disabled students, because Lexington -specific data demonstrate disparities in suspension rates in these populations. The task force is refining the survey questions. Mr. Osborne is scheduled to review the questions with LPS Superintendent Dr. Mary Czajkowski and her senior staff in November. LPS counsel is expected to review the questions as well. The intent is that the survey will be administered in February 2018. An LHRC member asked if it is possible for students as well as parents to be surveyed. Mr. Osborne answered that he is uncertain and recommended directing questions and ideas to Ms. Roy, who is also member of the survey task force. A LexPride member observed that the Commonwealth does not collect discipline data about LGBTQIA+ students, making any disparities invisible; she explained that national data do demonstrate suspension rate disparities comparable to those experienced by Black and Disabled students and asked whether this survey could collect information about LGBTQIA+ students as well. The reply was that this is not possible because Lexington -specific data do not exist to document local disparities for this population. LIAISONS AND ADVISORY BOARD LHRC members have been assigned to serve as liaisons to certain Lexington organizations, which were chosen and assigned at the last meeting. Liaisons will begin meeting with these organizations in October, though a Commission on Disability meeting was held the day prior and was attended by its LHRC liaison. The goal of these liaisons is to strengthen the communication between the LHRC and the town's committees and organizations. It was noted that a first Advisory Board meeting will take place on October 18, 2017 at the Lexington Community Center. Mr. Osborne and Ms. Huang will attend as LHRC representatives. HOUSING DISCRIMINATION The LHRC has been charged with responding to complaints of housing discrimination. The Lexington Police Department (LPD) is sponsoring training for LPD and LHRC members, in groups of 20: How to Respond to Housing Discrimination Training, presented by the Massachusetts Committee Against Discrimination (MCAD). The first such training will take place on November 1, 2017. All LPD members and LHRC members may be trained; space permitting, community members may also be trained. Ms. Amar volunteered to participate. PEOPLE POWER People Power asked to speak to the LHRC about the possibility of the Committee (1) asking the Board of Selectman, LPD, Town Council, and Town Manager to sign a stronger resolution about Lexington being a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community; and (2) hosting a Community Conversation on Immigration similar to previous and planned Conversations on Race. People Power representatives described concerns about increases in racism and the vulnerability of immigrants (especially undocumented immigrants) as reasons for these 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420