Human Relations Commission

Human Relation Commission 20 North 6th Street • Lafayette, Indiana 47901 Phone 765-807-1062 • ***.lafayette.in.gov NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION January 21, 2021 – Noon to 1 pm Virtual- GoToMeeting ********global.gotomeeting.com/join/840203 701 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (312) 757-3121 MINUTES 1. Call meeting to order at 12:03 p.m. Present: Kara Boyles, Susan Brouillette, Michelle Reynolds, Stephen Smith, Cassie Wade, Chad Young City Representative: Megan Thompson New Member not yet sworn in: Nohemi Lugo Not Present: Chad Aldridge, Joel Wright a. Approval of October 22, 2020 Minutes Michelle motioned, Kara seconded, minutes approved b. Election of Officers and Appointment of Members Chad Young had replaced Cliff Cox – appointment ended January 2021, Chad will need to renew and Susan will renew. Megan to coordinate with Chad and Susan to sign physical copies and return them to the Clerk’s office for filing. Megan to coordinate with Nohemi for swearing-in with the Mayor and Cindy Murray. HRC members introduced themselves to Nohemi. Nohemi introduced herself to the commission members. 2. Old business a. Discussion racism as a public health crisis. Only 3 communities in the state of Indiana have done so already (Marion County & the City of Indianapolis, Evansville, St. Joseph County Health Department). Kara reviewed resolutions/ordinances for pros/cons. Allocation of resources and the strategic plan would be required if declared. Medicare for All group in the county is also trying to champion the community. Could require implicit bias training for all City employees. Discussion that the City may be doing many of these things already as well. Discussion about whether or not we believe this is something that the HRC wants to advocate for. Option for joint resolution, pulling in city and county entities. Kara to pull together data and sample language. Share with commission members. Stephen to discuss with County and West Lafayette HRCs to see if they are exploring or would support a joint resolution. to include in request to Mayor and the City. The complaint form and website has been updated to include gender identity. 3. New Business a. No new business. 4. Member Updates (festivals, website, brochures) a. Progress of HRC Youth Council: Chad Y. created a draft application for review, would like to present to the mayor in April, and request applications before school is out for the year. Chad had reached out to schools to help develop the application. Chad emphasized the importance of ensuring we choose candidates who can represent the City and HRC. Megan emphasized that when choosing members need to have a strong connection to Lafayette, either live or go to school in Lafayette. The role of the Youth Council needs to be further defined. To include all youth in the community, youth in schools, youth who are homeschooled. Distribute to schools, home school association, press release, media, Facebook post to advertise. Discussion of application timeframe. HRC Youth Council Committee to work on role definition, application and discuss next steps. No updates. 5. Staff Report a. No staff update. 6. Adjourn a. Motion to adjourn Susan, Kara seconded, the meeting ended at 12:46 p.m.