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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-06-LHRC-min Town of Lexington, Human Rights Committee Meeting Friday, September 6, 2019 Lexington Community Center 8:05-8:26 Present Committee Members: Sean Osborne (Chair), Tanya Gisolfi (Vice Chair), Mona Roy (Clerk), James Barry (Police Department), Jeffrey Toronto, Fuang Ying Huang Liaisons and Guests: Scott Bokun (School Committee), Brent Maracle (LICA), Melissa Interess (Human Services), Tony Serio (Human Services), Aidan Evelyn (Police), Mark Corr(Chief of Police), Mark Sandeen (BOS), Georgia Swann (SEPAL), Cleveland Coats (guest) 1. Welcome at 8:10 2. Public Comments on Items Not on Agenda (None) 3. Approve June Meeting Minutes Motion to approve made by Ms. Gisolfi, seconded by Ms. Huang, All voted in favor 4. Chair Report • Noted that Koren Stembridge leaving the LHRC and that Melissa Interess will be joining the Committee next month after Board of Selectman approval • Also noted that Bonnie Brodner has stepped down after many years of service • Noted the role of different Human Rights Committees in the area such as Belmont where cases are referred through various means and the HRC offers support by phone or in person if the person wants to meet. Referrals made to other groups such as MCAD. Noted the importance of an avenue for a person to discuss an issue. Sometimes mediation is offered. Mentioned Massachusetts Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Facebook page. Also noted that as of October 2018, there were approximately 40 HRCs in Massachusetts. • Race Amity Day 2020, noted a successful program. Noted that the Lexington School Committee approved and signed the Race Amity Day proclamation as recommended by the Lexington Human Rights Committee recognizing Race Amity Day as the second Sunday of June annually (as designated by the State of MA). The Board of Selectman changed the wording to add religion and also for only that year. Suggested that LHRC follow up with Board of Selectman on this and also submit another proclamation to the Board of Selectmen when preparing for the 2020 Race Amity Day program. • Burnout of Pigment Rich Racial Justice Activists Thanked Sara Cuthbertson of the PPC for recommending the study,Racism, Whiteness, and Burnout in Antiracism Movements:How White Racial Justice Activists Elevate Burnout in Racial Justice Activists of Color In The United States. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420 • Noted that the article analyzed data from interviews with racial justice activists of color in the United States who have experienced burnout to identify the ways they attributed their burnout to the attitudes and behaviors—the racism—of white activists. These included (1) harboring unevolved or racist views, (2) undermining or invalidating the racial justice work of activists of color, (3)being unwilling to step up and take action when needed, (4) exhibiting white fragility, and (5) taking credit for participants' racial justice work and ideas. Implications for racial justice movements and the participation of white activists are discussed. • Link: http://edchange.org/publications/White-Activists-Causing-Burnout-Racial- Justice-Activists-Gorski-Erakat.pdf 5. Committee Members Concerns, Comments and Liaison Reports • Ms. Gisolfi had no reports but noted as her role in liaison to the Lexington Community Coalition (LCC)is moving forward with White Fragility as the 2019-20 community book read and is planning a kick-off event on September 25, 2019 the Cary Library. (https://www.lexhere4you.or /events/2019/9/25/reading-white fraility-with-the- lexi ngton-community-coalition) • Mr. Toronto had no updates or incidents to report. • Ms. Huang had no updates or incidents to report. • Lt. Barry had no new incidents to report. • Ms. Roy indicated that she had no reports but noted that Cary Library sponsored Social Justice Book Group on the first Wednesday of the month (see Cary Library calendar for details) October's book is The Line Becomes a River by Francisco Cantu. 6. Workgroup Activities a) Not In Our Schools Joint Workgroup with LPS (Ms. Roy, Ms. Gisolfi) • Dr. Hackett confirmed that we would be working with Diamond Middle School. The principal has connected us on choosing pilot middle school. Ms. Gisolfi noted that given concerns on racism expressed by LHS students, should it be piloted LHS too? Will Johnny Cole be the LPS point person? Ms. Roy and Ms. Gisolfi promised to follow up in this summer after Mr. Cole was settled in. b) No Hate November(Mr. Toronto, Ms. Huang, Ms. Roy) • Purpose of this programming is stopping hate speech in Lexington towards people. In the past(and now)people with disabilities, mental health challenges, people who are transitioning, people who are visibly different due to race or religion as well as groups who are on the receiving end of hate speech or symbols. This programming is to educate people on what is hateful, the impact of hate and how to combat hate. Update on progress over the summer. Secured Cary Library Meeting Room on 11/18 for programming. Program to include panel discussion of adults sharing experiences of being on the receiving end of hate and the impact to the person and society. Mr. Toronto has agreed to be one of the panelist and candidly share his experiences of harassment and the impact. We will also show the movie Wonder at the Community Center(Date TBD). Also solicited LPS support on cooperative/complimentary programming and highlighting initiatives already in place. Other possible ideas include an essay composition, displays. Cary Library helping to curate a book list. Will solicit community input and support to find panelists. 7. Committee Elections and Reorganization Chair—Mona Roy Vice Chair— Tanya Gisolfi Clerk—TBD as no one ran 8. Members from the LHRC thanked Mr. Osborne for his many years of service and dedication to the community as chair of the LHRC 9. Confirm Next Meeting— 10/4/2019 at 8:00am Motion to Adjourn 8:26—Ms. Gisolfi, second Ms. Huang, All in Favor LIST OF DOCUMENTS LHRC Chair Report by Sean Osborne Race Amity Day Proclamation from Board of Selectman Race Amity Day Proclamation from School Committee No Hate November Report Respectfully submitted, Monami D. Roy Clerk, LHRC