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Home My WebLink About2020-10-08-LHRC-min Town of Lexington,Human Rights Committee Meeting Thursday,October 8,2020 Virtual 9:00a.m.-10:13a.m Present: Committee Members: Monami D. Roy(Chair), Tanya Gisolfi(Vice Chair), Georgia Swann(Clerk), James Barry(Police Department),Fuang Ying Huang, Melissa Interess (Town Manager's Office Member/Human Services Department), Scott Bokun(School Department Member), Cleveland Coats , Stephanie Hayes Hsu Meeting called to order at 9:00 AM,Quorum was present at 9:00 AM 1. Welcome --MDR 2. Minutes • Approval of September Minutes-- Motion made by SB, Seconded by MI,All in Favor. 3. Request for Co-Sponsorship of LexPride Events a. Listening to Black Voices, October 25, 2020 co sponsored by several other town organizations including ABCL and the Commission on Disability b. Transgender Day of Remembrance,November 20, 2020 • Approval of Request for co-sponsorship of Listening to Black Voices and Transgender Day of Remembrance—Motion made by SB, Seconded by MI,All in Favor. 4. Scope of LHRC Charge: • Public Advocacy, Educational Programs, supporting town departments. 5. Scope of workgroups: • Clarification of work group functions for members and the public related to previous concerns about the legality of how public meeting law governs work groups. • TG: Health and Racism Initiative Work Group, in the information gathering and data collection stage connecting with other town groups and the Lexington Board of Health. The work connects with the declaration of Racism as a Public Health Crisis. • JB: Working with Robin Walker on data collection • MDR: Racial Disparities in Lexington work group working on more data collection and a detailed look at racial demographics in Lexington and municipal • SHH: Housing Work Group collecting demographic data in Lexington and similar communities to examine racial barriers to access local housing. Public Comments VO: Thankful to the LHRC for co-sponsorship of the two upcoming events and work towards inclusivity. 6. Upcoming Events a. Training Active Bystander: TG: there is still space available in two of the training sessions, Human Services Department has set up a sign up form available on the website. b. The Long Shadow—Online Screening of 7[1le._LoRg Shadow from Oct 16-23, 2020 with a Q&A with the director on October 21, 2020 from 7:30- 8:30pm • MDR: Long Shadow is very powerful and accessible film and it is critical that people watch it for a basic understanding of systemic racism. c. No Hate November(November 17,2020 7:00-8:00 pm via Zoom) GS: Date has been finalized and Human services will be hosting the zoom event. Panelists are set,ABCL, CAAL and CALex are collaborating. • CC: The Chamber of Commerce will promote the event. • MDR: Cary Library is also curating a book list for No Hate November d. MLK Community Conversation on Race Workgroup: TG: Community members are suggesting topics after last year's successful themes of the Importance of Discussing Race with your Children. Logistics of hosting the event on zoom are being explored, community members also want an action item. • MDR: Will update the broader MLK Day Events Planning Committee. LHRC is inclusive and would welcome any community members who would like to be a part of the work group. • MI: MLD Day of Service Planning group is a part of the Celebrations Committee,hopefully all groups can get more clarification on remaining withing the regulations of open meeting laws. 7. Member Reports and Concerns • JB: One incident was reported by the Lexington Public Schools but there will not be any police involvement. The LPD participated in a virtual Community Conversation on Race that was well attended. • CC: Was a proctor for the LPD physical fitness test administered to hopeful new LPD recruits. • SB: Both proclamations were approved by the School Committee, 2020-2 Article 8 is a citizens article on acknowledging Systemic Racism that will be considered at town meeting. • TG: Thankful to SB for mentioning 2020-2 Article 8. • MI: Select Board approved recommending moving forward with All Aces to provide training to the town. Relayed a message from JH regarding the Declaration of Racism as a Public Health Crisis and making the language more"Lexington specific". • SB: Will work with Select Board on changes that need to me made to Racism as Public Health Crisis declaration. • GS: There is a concern among parents of some children who receive therapeutic services in school that some therapists are communicating that they want to move to providing services virtually. • MDR: Cary Library is presenting a special event with Colorado Poet Laureate Bobby LeFebre who will share Social Justice Poetry. All Aces offers free programming through their website and social media sites/ 8. Chair Report • Submitted 9. Unexpected Items Not Reasonably Anticipated in Advance I O.Public Comments For Items Not on the Agenda Motion to Adjourn: SB Seconded: TG Meeting Adjourned: 10:13AM Next Meeting Date and Time November 5`'', at 9:00 AM LIST OF DOCUMETNS LHRC Chair Report