2009-10-16-LHRC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lexington Human Rights Committee Meeting Minutes October 16, 2009 Present: Joseph O'Leary, Leona Martin, Hank Manz, Melissa Buttaro, Bob Kent, Linda Vine, Fuang -Ping Huang, Emily Lavine, and Deborah Jackson Meeting at Selectmen Meeting Room was called to order at 8:15AM Bob chaired the meeting in Al's absent. Lexington Police had suspended the investigation on the Aug. 15 assault and battery case as it doesn't qualify as a hate crime under the guidelines. No prosecution at this point unless new witness /information come forward. The offender in the case and his father declined Joe's invitation to come to HRC meeting. There was a similar incident involved LHS students outside of school in September. The committee discussed if the community has done enough in educating people in racial sensitivity. MCAD is looking into the complaint about a Lexington police filed by a woman. Bob contacted Jerry. Coffman on inviting Senator John Kerry as a keynote speaker. Jerry suggested the committee to approach J. Kerry before we set a date for the event to ensure Kerry's availability. Connie Rawson, Carry Library director informed the committee that the story of May, 1971's anti -war protest and arrest at Battle Green is already on CDs; and we can utilize it as part of the Oral Histories project. The committee will view the film "Unfinished Symphony" about a protest against the Vietnam War at the next HRC meeting on Nov. 20 Action Items: • Leona: search for a film by PBS about a RI family with tie to slave trade and "We Drew Circles" that represent different culture groups in Lexington. • Deb: bring "Unfinished Symphony" for viewing at next meeting. Invite Masha Traber, narrator for the "Struggle for the Green" for panel discussion. • Bob and Leona: touch base with former Civil Right Committee for program related material. The next meeting of the HRC is scheduled for Friday, November 20th at 8:00 a.m. in Selectmen Meeting Room for one and a half hours. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 am