City Council - Rules & Government Relations Committee

CITY OF EASTHAMPTON OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL Easthampton Municipal Building 50 Payson Ave., Ste. 100 Easthampton, Massachusetts 01027-2260 Telephone #: (413) 529-1400, ext. 460 Fax #: (413) 529-1417 MINUTES RULES AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Meeting 10/11/23 Attendees: R&GR Members: Councilor Dan Rist, Chair Councilor Koni Denham, Clerk President Homar Gomez Councilor JP Kwicinski Additional Attendance: SC Member Ben Hersey SC Megan Harvey SC Laura Scott SC Sam Hunter Lynda Markee Additional Attendance: Remote Patty Covalli Meeting Called to Order at 5:30 pm. The meeting was video recorded. Minutes approved Councilor Denham moved. Chair Rist 2nd - Vote approved (2-0). Abstention – one vote Public Speak  Ray Sliz (Candidate for SC) – written statement read into the record.  Megan Harvey (Candidate for SC) – Supports the resolutions. Doesn’t want there to be a restriction on access books. Regarding School library resolution. Important to put the learning of students at forefront. Seeing yourself in a book and represented is important. Children have to see themselves as valued. It has to be present in libraries. We highlight privilege when we say that it is upsetting. It sends a message to teachers about what topics teachers can talk about. Supports resolution. The SC has received comments about censoring votes. It is present in Easthampton.  Lynda Markee (Candidate for SC) – Read statement into the record. Regarding school libraries – exposes us to different cultures and experiences. Teaches critical thinking and empathy. Opportunity to listen to others who have a different perspective and find common ground.   Sam Hunter (Candidate for SC) – Read statement into the record. Regarding school librarians it is important to trust the professional abilities of the librarians. When we become scared our circle of safety becomes smaller. Important for young people to learn how to work with others who have different backgrounds, particularly when they are professionals in the future. Wants to work with City Council on similar resolutions in the future.  Laura Hunter (Candidate for SC) – Disappointed in 2023 we have to have a conversation about freedom of speech. When I enter into a library, I shouldn’t expect to only see things that I agree with because I wanted to be challenged. No place for government to restrict access to information. It is unconstitutional.  Ben Hersey (Candidate for SC) – Against book banning, which controls imagination of children. Wants to trust parents to have conversations with children. Regarding schools, there is an opportunity to expand access to libraries. Children should have more access to libraries. Parents who have a problem with a book, parents shouldn’t be able to pick and choose who gets to read what books. Teachers in other states don’t know how to talk about things without retaliation. Reading is in competition with computer games. Have access to things they care about. Underestimating the integrity of children. Easthampton is a courageous community and we shouldn’t shy away from complex topics.  Patty Cavalli – Supports the resolution. Would like to see age appropriate sections for certain materials. Agrees with most comments. Committed to age appropriate materials. Children has issues with different content at different times. Parents have a right to determine what kids are exposed to. Does not support the banning of books. Firm believer of parental rights. Supports the resolution and wants the rights of all to be affirmed. 1. New Business 1. Resolutions to support libraries  Chair wants to vote for approval separately – Councilor Kwicinski and Councilor Denham concurred  Chair Rist – Freedom to Read, no changes. Supports Rep. Cyr’s resolution. Makes resolutions more grounded  Councilor Kwincinski – no changes to recommend  Chair Rist – Regarding Public Library – no changes to recommend. Supports Sen. Olivaria’s Bill  President Gomez – Freedom of Speech is important and foundational to democracy. Currently, witnessing the banning of books. It is an attack to freedom of speech to the country. Banning not just books about LGBQI +, Transgender, but also books written by Puerto Ricans  Chair Rist – Don’t always get the opportunity to speak about certain issues. Wants to make sure Council is onboard. Censorship is so anti-democratic. Regarding age appropriateness, parents have to be involved and not expect librarians to assume parenting responsibilities. Wouldn’t know how that works in libraries.  Councilor Kwicinski – Fully supports resolutions. Important for people to explore topics to learn about the lived experiences of others. Development of an understanding of others, particularly as we look at our community.  Councilor Kwisinki moved to approve language to send to full council. Councilor Denham – 2nd. Vote unanimous (3-0)  Chair Rist – Censorship in Schools will be addressed.   Chair Rist – Important for SC candidates to want to be involved in this conversation. School Committee sets policies that impacts the responsibilities of teachers. Parental rights are not denied by this resolution. The loudest voices are often heard the most. It is important for this conversation to be had. Parents need to be involved.  Councilor Kwicinski – Sad that we need a resolution to reaffirm what is granted by the Constitution. We are fooling ourselves if we believe that children won’t find this information outside the library. Availability of books promotes discussions in the classroom and the libraries, encourages respect. Libraries provide that opportunity.  President Gomez – In 2023 disappointing that we are having this question. Open to work with the SC. Banning books should be criminal. Suppression of ideas is counter to the Constitution and Freedom of Speech. Feels a personal connection to this resolution.  Councilor Kwicinski moved – Councilor Denham 2nd, Vote unanimous (3-0) 6:30 pm - Motion to adjourn – Chair Rist – Councilor Denham 2nd. Vote unanimous (3-0)