HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-08-06-LHRC-min Town of Lexington,Human Rights Committee Meeting
Thursday,August 6th,2020
Virtual
9:00a.m.-10:17a.m.
Present
Committee Members: Monami D. Roy (Chair), Tanya Gisolfi (Vice Chair), Georgia Swann
(Clerk), Fuang Ying Huang, Jeffrey Toronto, Melissa Interess (Town Manager's Office
Member/Human Services Department), James E. Barry Jr. (Police Department), Scott Bokun
(LP S)
Meeting called to order at 9:02 AM, Quorum was present at 9:02 AM.
1. Welcome
Noting in the midst of two pandemics -- the recent COVID 19 and 400 + years of
racism. We all own America's history. LHRC has special duty to consider these
issues vis a vis Lexington on a deeper level both as a committee and as
individuals. We must listen carefully to those voices that are often not heard in
Lexington.
2. Minutes
• Approval of June 4th Minutes -- Motion made by SB, Seconded by MDR, All in
Favor.
• Approval of June 26th Minutes —Motion made by MI, Seconded by TG, All in
Favor.
3. Discussion of two upcoming Long Shadow
• TG: The Long Shadow is a film about the history of anti-Black racism in the
United States and would be a valuable resource for members of the community to
see to better understand the origins of systemic racism.
• A community viewing would allow LHRC to present the film to the public and
follow up the viewing with a Q and A session with the producer of the film.
• TG: Brief explanation of the proposal to provide active bystander training to the
community. Previous trainings have been held at Cary Library and were well
attended.
• Motion to move forward with submitting a request to the Town of Lexington for
funding for Long Shadow community viewing and Q&A and Active Bystander
Training for members of the community made by SB, Seconded by GS, All in
Favor.
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420
4. Update on Select Board initiatives re: race/equity
• Thanks to the Select Board and School Committee for working diligently during
the Covid-19 pandemic and also actively working on issues related to racial
justice. LHRC has been working on equity issues for a long time and engaging
with the various cultural groups in Lexington. There is a lot of pressure to see
results because of the current climate in the community, LHRC and SB and SC are
very aware of the urgency and are working with the community to make needed
change in a thoughtful way to avoid doing more harm than good.
• Public Comment by Valerie Overton: Appreciates The Long Shadow and
would also like to acknowledge indigenous people. Notes an active bystander
training would serve a maximum of 20 people. Mentions mixed results when
interacting with various cultural groups. Asks that LHRC members to be
active bystanders when attending town meeting and events.
5. Who Are We Demographic Breakdown of Lexington Summary:
• MI: The work group looked as different demographic data points that were
available in town surveys as well as state and national data sets to try to gather
information about the demographics of the town of Lexington.
• MDR— Thanks to the workgroup for this important information and the report will
be sent out to the upcoming workgroups for this year as a stepping point for their
work.
6. Logistical Plans for the year given Zoom/COVID, Time/Date Monthly meetings
• Future Monthly Meeting Dates and Time : 2nd Thursday of the Month at 9:00a.m.
7. Ideas for possible public/private workgroups and who from LHRC might lead them.
• Gender Discrimination: GS
• Racial Disparities in Lexington: TBD
• Policing in Lexington: JB
• Housing in Lexington: TBD
• Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Disability: JT, would need cooperation
from Commission on Disability and perhaps SEPAC
• LGBTQ Needs: MI
• Recruiting members from the community will be crucial to each of these
possible future work groups
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420
8. Declaration of Racism as Public Health Issue
• LHRC would like to begin the process of making this declaration as a starting
point for gathering data that will be used to understand the issue and plan future
actions.
• Motion to Declare Racism as a Public Health Crisis with approval of language
from Board of Health and form a workgroup around the idea made by TG,
Seconded by JT, All in Favor.
• TG will lead the workgroup on this.
9. Chair and Member Reports
• Dismantling Racism Curriculum is now open to the community, LHRC can direct
anyone interested in more information.
• Together We Rise is a newer organization to encourage community members take
action on social justice issues that matter to them.
• Thank you to all of the community members and the organizer Christina Lin for
their involvement in the viewing and discussion of the film I'm Not Racist... Am I?
• JT: Stressed the importance of the continued use of face masks and social
distancing during the pandemic as a matter of public health and safety.
• GS: Attended a meeting of the Commission on Disability, discussed the issue of
the disparity of student discipline affecting children with disabilities and/or
children belonging to minority groups. Future actions include the possibility of a
co-meeting with COD Chair Victoria Buckley and representatives of LPS.
• SB: Thanked MDR and TG for their participation in the panel organized by
Christina Lin for the film I'm Not Racist... Am I?
10. Election Results
• Clerk: Georgia Swann
• Vice Chair: Tanya Gisolfi
• Chair: Mona Roy
Public Comments
None
Motion to Adjourn: TG
Seconded: MDR
Meeting Adjourned 10:17am
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420
Next Meeting Date and Time: TBD Th in September at 9:00a.m.
LIST OF DOCUMENTS
Chair Report
Draft Proposal for showing The Long Shadow and also to offer Active Bystander
Training
Draft Motion to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis
Respectfully submitted,
Georgia Swann Clerk, LHRC
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420