Human Rights Commission

City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission Meeting Notes April 21, 2016 Commissioners Present: Jan Derry Kristen Cooper Don Spencer Meeting called to order by Jan Derry, Chair 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. Public Session: No persons were present to participate in a public session. Communications: Jan Derry noted that the workshop on Universal Design will be held on May 5, 2017 in Charleston rather than in 2016. In considering a recommendation that the Commission see the support of a new intern, it was agreed by those present that the Commission needs to draft a job description for an intern – if possible before the next meeting. Summer interns will begin service during the month of May. On the matter of transgender restroom use, it was noted that the U.S. Department of education has ruled that transgender students in public schools must be allowed to use restrooms which correspond with their gender identity. Priority Items: the Commission discussed the state of its membership and agreed to make contacts with persons who might be willing to be candidates for Council selection in July. It is presumed that the Commission may have as many as three vacancies by that time. In discussion work on a proposed Universal Design Incentive Ordinance, Jan stated that she would obtain specifics to incorporate in the draft presently under construction. Progress Reports: Jan Derry reported that there has only been one meeting to date to discuss purported fair housing abuses. Don Spencer indicated that Ed Cole of the WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will be scheduling a meeting of the University Community Human Rights Film Festival to debrief the first experience of the festival during this academic year. Spencer agreed to send Jan Derry and Marlene Robinson a copy of the access information for to check on Commission emails and telephone calls. Spencer also agreed to ask Professor Bob Bastress at the Law School to review the proposed revision of the Morgantown Human Rights Ordinance prepared by Xavier Persad of the Human Rights Campaign. The “New to Morgantown” materials generated based on the work of Iowa City, IA will be discussed with Chelsi Baker. 1 New Business: These items included discussion of an advisory board to the Human Rights Commission concept and review of a drafted City welcome statement. Both items will be placed on the Commission’s May agenda. Regular Meeting Items: It was noted that April is Fair Housing Month – something which needs to be added to the Commission’s calendar of human rights observances. The next regular meeting of the Commission will be held on May 19th. Adjournment: The work session was adjourned by the chair at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Don Spencer, Secretary 5.1.16 2