Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee Vigil/Sign Subcommittee February 29, 2024 - Thursday 4:00pm – 5:00pm City Hall Rm 200A & Zoom Vigil/Sign Subcommittee Agenda Call to Order/Introductions as Needed/Roll Call Designate Acting Secretary Sign message content Vigil schedule--date/time/how many per month Vigil locations Finding vigil volunteers--overall number goal? Procedure for approval of vigils & sign content--steps involved/legal & procedural hurdles/who needs to be notified & how--full LHRC, Mayor's Office, City Hall, City Council Other responses—lawn signs, posters/flyers Encourage independent community vigil campaigns? MINUTES In Attendance: Matt Soza (Chair), Carol Pierce, Eric Hoffman, Kay Anderson, Richard Littlefield, Patrick Wood (Sec’y Pro Tem) Meeting was called to order at 4:15 pm. First item discussed was the content of the signs. There was a general impression that the current signs – Everyone is Welcome in Laconia – are not sufficiently focused. Should the signs be positive and inclusive or should they clearly indicate that Laconia stands against hate. Carol suggested “Hate Has No Place in Laconia.” Richard wondered if there should be different signs for “vigils” and for lawns; perhaps signs with no words just rainbow colors. Perhaps there should be stickers and flyers. “Vigils” are more public than lawn signs; more “vigils” means more press. What limitations are there on content. Discussion was held about “government speech” vs “private speech.” If the Human Relations Committee is going to be promoting the vigils, then the signs would be “government speech” and will need to be approved by the City Council. Suggested sign contents were - Hate Has No Place in Laconia End Hate Now Inclusion Starts Here Viva Love Don’t Hate – Educate It was agreed to submit the following to the Laconia Human Relations Committee for approval and submission to the City Council – Hate Has No Place in Laconia Inclusion Starts Here Viva Love Richard Littlefield agreed to get pricing from Winnisquam Printing for 20 24”x18” signs, two colors, plus costs for 20 signs with each statement for a total of 60 signs. The next item discussed was the issue of “vigils.” One per month for an hour, perhaps. Varying locations. Should they be called “vigils” or perhaps demonstrations or rallies. If signs are approved, it was agreed that holding two demonstrations per month for three months should be sufficient. It was agreed to make this proposal to the Laconia Human Relations Committee. A question was raised about inviting political candidates to participate in these demonstrations. It was agreed that the Laconia Human Relations Committee should remain non-partisan and would not invite candidates. Respectfully submitted, Patrick Wood Secretary Pro Tem