Human Relations Commission

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Human Relation Commission 20 North 6th Street • Lafayette, Indiana 47901 Phone 765-807-1062 • www.lafayette.in.gov NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION July 23, 2020 – Noon to 1 pm via GoToMeeting MINUTES Present: Cassie Wade, Stephen Smith, Kara Boyles, Kimberly Meyer, Susan Brouillette, Chad Young, Chad Aldridge, Joel Wright, Mary Alyce Koning Bolinger, Michelle Reynolds Not in Attendance: None 1. Call meeting to order at 12:03 p.m. by Stephen Smith virtually Go To Meeting. a. Roll Call and Introductions: Joel Wright Mary Alyce Koning Bolinger Michelle Reynolds Chad Aldridge Kara Boyles Cassie Wade Susan Brouillette Stephen Smith Chad Young – new member b. Approval of January 23, 2020 Minutes. April meeting was cancelled due to COVID. Mary Alyce Koning Bolinger motion to approve, Joel Wright seconded, Michelle noted corrections to be updated: 3. FHEO to be corrected in the minutes. 2. Old business a. No old business. 3. New Business a. Vote on updating HRC Mission Statement: Michelle Reynolds i. Michelle reviewed update to HRC Mission Statement: The Commission is concerned with any discrimination based on race, sex, religion, color, (physical or mental handicap delete and change to disability), familial status, national origin, or sexual orientation, and is available to investigate discriminatory acts in the areas of employment, access to public accommodations, and the purchase or ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Human Relation Commission 20 North 6th Street • Lafayette, Indiana 47901 Phone 765-807-1062 • www.lafayette.in.gov rental of housing. ii. Cassie Wade recommended Mission Statement be updated to include discrimination of sex as it relates to Supreme Court ruling (to include sexual orientation and gender identity). Kim to check with City Attorney Jackie Chosnek about update. iii. Susan asks if services should be included in Mission Statement. Kim to review authorizing documents to determine if this is covered by Commission. iv. Susan moved, Michelle seconded, motion passes. b. Sanders vs. IU Health Complaint Recommendation: Michelle Reynolds. i. Stephen thanked investigators: Chad Aldridge, Michelle Reynolds, and Stephen Smith. ii. Michelle reviewed the complaint, Sanders vs. IU. HRC members provided HRC Investigation Report of Complaint Filed by A. Sanders document. Sanders did not provide medical certification of disability. iii. Susan requested Michelle review the document and change the pronouns in the document to match preferred gender pronouns. Michelle discussed options: Mediation, Appearance by both parties. Michelle advised Sanders did not meet evidentiary burden to support the claim. Investigation team finds that the facts do not support the complaint. Commission finds that the facts do not support the complaint, those charged with the alleged discrimination will be notified in writing. Susan Brouillette moved, Chad Aldridge seconded, Cassie Wade abstained. Motion passed. 4. Member Updates (festivals, website, brochures) a. Stephen discussed changes to the Mission Statement will need to be updated in brochures. Will hold as there are additional recommendations to change the Mission Statement. b. Festivals in the community are being cancelled, to consider participation as we become aware of events. c. Kara Boyles asked about City’s response to anti-racism, segregation issues. Is the City working on this? How can commission support? Kara and Stephen participating in the joint commission meeting and there is a lack of visibility of commissions. Kim to speak with the Mayor to weigh in on role of Commission and aware of meetings occurring with City and local police departments. Joint commission discussed possibility of West Lafayette declaring Racism a public health issue. Commission role is investigatory, education, and outreach. Kim encouraged Stephen to contact Mayor as the President on behalf of the ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Human Relation Commission 20 North 6th Street • Lafayette, Indiana 47901 Phone 765-807-1062 • www.lafayette.in.gov commission to voice willingness to help, ideas, and concerns. Susan emphasized the Mayor reiterating the Human Relations Commission and our role. Discussion role of local elected and public officials talking about racism and social justice issues. 5. Stephen Smith and Kimberly Meyer discussed staff report. a. Cliff Cox has stepped down from his Commission member position b. Megan out with a new baby, she may be back by the next meeting. 6. Announcement of New Member a. Completed earlier in the meeting. Chad Young newest member, welcome. 7. Adjourn a. Chad Aldrige motion to adjourn, Joel Wright seconded, motion passed, adjourned at 12:58 p.m.