Human Rights Commission

City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission Meeting Notes March 17, 2016 Commissioners Present: Marlene Robinson-Savino Tim Hairston Kristen Cooper Don Spencer Meeting called to order by Marlene Robinson-Savino, Vice Chair, in place of Chair Jan Derry, who was ill, at 6:35 p.m. Due to a lack of a quorum, those present agreed that the meeting would be unofficial, would include no actions, and would be utilized as a work session only. Don Spencer, Commission representative on the WVU Community Human Rights Film Festival, introduced special guest Ed Cole. Cole is the Coordinator of Events for the WVU Division of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and is the staff coordinator for the Film Festival. He reported that over 350 admissions were counted at the four film showings in this inaugural year for the Festival. One film event had to be cancelled due to a winter storm. Cole described the work of the advisory Committee and described the partnership of the Festival with the WVU Libraries which allowed the Festival to have access to the films utilized this year cost free. The Commission complimented Cole on the success of the event and the excellent job on the organization, poster and marketing of the series. Cole said that for next year’s event, he foresees 1) a change in venue, 2) to a location which is ADA accessible, 3) possibly making use of the Law School Auditorium, 4) doing more work to tie the program in with department and class curriculums, and 5) networking with more organizations to make both increased attendance and more follow-up on the film discussions possible. Public Session: Barry Wendell, a candidate for the House of Delegates, introduced himself and stated that he was running for office due to human rights concerns manifested by actions taken by the WV House of Delegates. Communications: Don Spencer reported on the “Resolution Endorsing the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce Support of Diversity for a Vibrant Economy”. The resolution was passed at the March 1 meeting of the City Council and forwarded to the delegation representing the County in both the House of Delegates and the Senate. This resolution indirectly addressed the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” (HB 4012) in particular which had been passed in the House with a large majority – including the votes of all Mon County Delegates but one. At the City Council hearing on the Resolution, Commission member Billie Murray spoke in strong support of the Resolution to protect diversity and inclusivity which HB 4012 would not do. Murray stated in her testimony that HB 4012 and like minded bills “would only provide an excuse for persons to discriminate against others” they did not approve of. The Resolution helped support the eventual Senate’s important rejection of the bill. 1 There was general consensus of concern among Commissioners attending about the passage of the permit-less concealed carry weapon provisions. Except for older adolescents 18-21, persons will be permitted to carry guns without permits and without training. Law enforcement representatives spoke out in opposition to the passage of the bill. The very recent Morgantown tragic situation in which a 21 year old was allegedly “playing” with a loaded gun and allegedly unintentionally shot and fatally wounded a 15 year old Morgantown High School male student was mentioned in the discussion of the passage of HB 4145 and the Governor’s veto override. Kristen Cooper reported on the success of the Empty Bowls event at Mylan Park on February 27. She stated that is was an "excellent community event” which involved thousands of people, hundreds of volunteers and generated many thousands of dollars for area food banks and meal programs for low income and homeless individuals. Priority Items: Due to the absence of the chair, the discussion on Commission membership was delayed until the next meeting. Don Spencer provided an overview of the working draft of a Universal Design Incentive Ordinance. Tim Hairston spoke of the long term interest in strengthening Fair Housing in the State. Such an ordinance would help increase awareness of the importance of Fair Housing concepts for one family, duplex and triplex house construction as well. A state- wide Universal Design Workshop is being planned for May. It is hoped that the draft ordinance can be completed by the Commission to be shared for feedback at that event. Progress Reports: There was no report on the status of the 24/7 phone message line. On making preparations for improving the City’s performance on the 2016 Municipal Equality Index, the matter was discussed in terms of seeking follow-up from the City Manager regarding the designation of a LGBT liaison as was considered in July 2015. The discussion also involved the need for clearer human rights legislation provided by the City to protect employment, housing and public accommodations for LGBT persons and persons with diverse gender identity. The draft revised ordinance proposed by Xavier Persad of the Human Rights Campaign at the invitation of the Commission was again discussed. It was observed that the proposed legislation, like other municipal ordinances addressing concerns not mentioned in the State Code, seem unenforceable. The Commissioners present proposed sending a letter to the State HRC asking for a session at the next State HRC meeting or conference clarifying what is going on with ordinances relating to local HRCs and enforcement. A letter will be drafted for the next meeting discussion and then shared with Hairston before it is sent. Spencer will also explain our dilemma to Xavier Persad to see if he has further counsel based on his communication with other communities. There was no report on the status of the City Plans on Affirmative Action, etc. The project “New to Morgantown?” is missing the Iowa City prototype to assist with implementation. The new 2016 banner approved for order at the February Commission meeting was available at the meeting. The banner, “Let’s Do Right with Rights” will be 2 utilized at local Film Festival events, State HRC and Municipal League Meetings, and other events as opportunities are available. New Business: A new Fair Housing Committee being organized by Rob Lyons and Jan Derry will hold its first meeting on March 22. Regular Meeting Items: Tim Hairston reported on the recent annual meeting of the State Human Rights Commission. It involved presenting recognition to 18-20 honorees and issuance of a proclamation for Human Rights Day. The Ohio Civil Rights Commission Director and the Maryland Civil Rights Commission Director were guest speakers. No general State HR Conference will be held this year of the type which was conducted at Stonewall in 2015. The March and April annual HR observances were noted. The next meeting of the Commission will be held on April 21, 2016. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Don Spencer, Secretary 3.21.16 3