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Lexington Human Rights Committee
Meeting Minutes
January 9, 2105
Present
: Linda Vine, Bonnie Brodner, Aidan Evelyn, Fuang-Ying Huang, Norman
Cohen, Melissa Buttaro, Bhumip Khasnabish, Judy Crocker and Michael McLean
Meeting held in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room – Town Hall at 8:10 a.m.
Incident Response
- Mrs. Vine, the town liaison to HRC communicated to the
department manager and supervisor regarding the town hall incident where an Asian
HRC member perceived different treatment from a town employee than a non-Asian
Lexington resident did. When presented with this concern the staff was not aware of her
behavior so could not re-call the specific situation. The need for equal treatment was
emphasized to the staff and others in the department. It was decided that no further
action is required at this time, but on-going customer / diversity training needs to be
planned.
The incident also highlights the need of diversity training for local Lexington business
that the committee has been discussing. Mrs. Vine will invite Melissa Tintocalis, the
Economic Development Director to join HRC’s next meeting to participate in the
discussion.
The committee decided to defer the discussion on Response Protocol to the next meeting
when the chairman of the committee returns.
Department Updates:
Lexington Schools
Students of Asian Student Alliance participated in diversity activities in Boston.
Gender neutral bathrooms are available now to accommodate students.
Police Dept. – No incident to report.
Department of Human Services Update
Social Worker will be hired shortly and will become a member of the Human
Rights Committee.
Work is underway to begin recruiting for the new Community Center this
involves the Director position and Office Manager. Karen Simmons will be
managing the over-all facility.
CAAL is collaborating with Cary Memorial Library and LHS to host a Chinese New
Year celebration on January 24 at the library and the high school.
The next meeting is on Feb. 06, 2015 at 8:00AM at Selectman’s Hearing Room.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 am