Human Rights Commission

City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes for February 21, 2019 Present: Jan Derry, Chair Marlene Robinson, Vice Chair Kristen Cooper, Secretary Jacob Powers Drew Bucy Don Spencer (Program Assistant) Tim Hairston (State HRC Liaison) Kristen Jones (Volunteer) Ramsey Kinsella (Volunteer) Judith Wilkinson (Volunteer) Meeting called to order by Jan Derry, Chair, at 6:32 PM. The agenda was distributed with one change (Judith Wilkinson to make an announcement at the end of the meeting). Public Session: Two people from the public attended the meeting to observe and learn more about what the Commission does. They were Marie Bechtel from the Beckley, WV Human Rights Commission and Jordan Johnson who is a reporter for the WVU Daily Athenaeum newspaper. Introductions were made amongst the attendees. Minutes: The minutes for January 2019 were distributed and reviewed. No changes were requested. Jacob Powers moved that the minutes be accepted as written. The motion was seconded by Drew Bucy, and the motion passed unanimously. Communications: Judith Wilkinson attended a conference in Baton Rouge. She gave an update on WVU’s rankings. This information was also shared with Meshea Poore at WVU. Judith also saw a film entitled “Healing Justice” which indicated that 30% of minorities are in jail. Judith talked with Barb Howe at the CCSJ about having a screening in Morgantown (which Barb Howe supported). 1 Karen Kunz has been appointed to the MUB board and has resigned from the Human Rights Commission. The City Council has already interviewed commissioner candidates without informing the current Commission. The candidates included Jenna Martin, a human rights professor of law at WVU, Ramsey Kinsella, and a third candidate named Brian Phillips. Jan Derry contacted the council to strongly suggest they select the attorney. The results of the interviews are TBD, and Jan will follow up. Drew Bucy informed the group about a Pride Block Party taking place on April 13th on Ash Street. Drew suggested that the HRC could possibly host a table at the event. Jacob Powers suggested that this event would be a good time to gauge the community’s interest in the Open to All and All Kinds Welcome Here campaigns. He will arrange for some hand-outs with our social media information and Kristen Cooper will look online for some supplies. Marie Bechtel reported that Beckley is getting window clings from their HRC for use at a “Welcome/Invite” at business. Marie will email Jan Derry with more information. Jacob Powers gave an update on social media. He has posted some information to our Facebook page and will use Twitter to announce some of the upcoming events. Jan Derry has received no emails addressed to the HRC’s account. Tim Hairston from the State HRC discussed the House Bill 2587 and Senate version 391. These bill addresses disability and sexual orientation, and it may change some of the powers of the State HRC. Don Spencer mentioned that the Republican Majority Leader as well as the Majority Whip are at the top of this bill, and yet they can’t get it through the judiciary committee. The State HRC still has the same Acting Executive Director and is still looking to fill the position permanently. Don Spencer discussed the MLK Day events, and said that the breakfast at the Mountainlair was outstanding and the service at the AME church was a nice occasion. He encouraged everyone to attend next year. Priority Items: In regards to the DEI Plan, Drew Bucy will work with Don Spencer to create an Attachment K to the document. Judith Wilkinson spoke about the Welcome Statement utilization. Judith spoke with the representative at the Marriott Waterfront who got approval to display the signage, however, when he found out the cost it was an issue and could be prohibitive. Judith also sent an email to Susan Riddle, the president and CEO of the Greater Morgantown Convention and Visitors Bureau, asking to discuss use of the Welcome Statement signs at selected venues in the city. She has received no response from the CEO and plans to resend the email. Marlene Robinson suggested that a proposal be developed and that representatives from the HRC just show up at the CEO’s office to present it. 2 The current Project List was distributed and reviewed. Jan Derry asked people to step-up and attach their name as a leader on the initiatives/projects. Jacob Powers said he would handle the Anti-Bullying campaign and Ramsey Kinsella volunteered for the Immigration Information Guide. Regarding the Open To All / All Kinds Welcome Here campaign, Kristen Cooper will work on arranging a sub-committee meeting within the next 2 weeks. Drew Bucy, Jacob Powers and Don Spencer indicated that they are interested in participating. Don Spencer indicated that the Commission should create a plan to take to the City Council in May. New Business: A copy of the Indigenous Land Acknowledgement Resolution was distributed. Don Spencer created the resolution and asked everyone to read and provide edits. Jan Derry suggested he step-back the requirements for it to be read at ALL of the meetings listed in the resolution. Don will make edits so that it can be approved at the next meeting and be taken to the City Council. HRC officers for 2019 were considered. Jan Derry will be stepping down as Chairman after her term ends in June or July. Marlene Robinson (current Vice-Chairman) also needs to step back from taking on more responsibility, though she will stay involved in the commission and noted that anyone taking over the role of Chairman will have a wealth of support from her and others. In regards to the upcoming City Council election – we have been asked by the League of Women Voters to submit questions for the candidates. The group looked at previous questions that need some revision. Don asked that everyone come up with a question and email it to him within a week so it can be used in the April forum. Ongoing Projects: Due to time constraints, Ongoing Projects will be carried forward to the March agenda. Announcements: Judith Wilkinson suggested that we create a way to recognize compassionate professionals in the newspaper on a weekly basis and honor them at an event. The next meeting of the Human Rights Commission will take place on March 21st, 2019. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm. Submitted by Kristen Cooper 3