Human Rights Commission

City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes for September 17, 2020 Present: Jacob Powers, Chair Kristen Cooper, Secretary Jan Derry Jena Martin Amy Chandler Don Spencer, Volunteer Dee Dee McIntosh, PFLAG Liaison Meeting called to order by Jacob Powers, Chair, at 6:35 P.M. The meeting took place online due to pandemic restrictions. The agenda was distributed and approved with no changes. Public Session: There was no one present from the public at the meeting. Minutes: The August 2020 minutes were reviewed, and one minor change was suggested. Jan Derry moved that the minutes be approved as written with the one change, Jena Martin seconded the motion. The minutes where approved unanimously. Communications: Don Spencer asked that it be reflected in the minutes that appreciation be expressed to everyone who contributed to the MEI. Kristen Cooper reported that she checked with the Human Rights Campaign and confirmed that they are in receipt of our MEI submission for this year. Don Spencer made note of a letter that he had written to the WVU Athletic Director – a copy of which was distributed to the commissioners. The letter called for recognition of black athletes at WVU and Ron Williams in particular. He is revising the letter in hopes of getting it published in the Daily Athenaeum. Tim Hairston was not present to report about the State HRC. Priority Items: 1 The Resolution on Community Policing was passed by the City Council. Separately, the policing ordinance has met some resistance from the WV Attorney General. A letter from the Attorney General informed the City Council that it’s against the law to develop a police review board and the city could be prosecuted if it continues to pursue the ordinance. Amy Chandler volunteered to monitor the Dominion Post for articles of interest to the HRC and distribute them by email to the commissioners. Writing a letter to the editor of the Dominion Post was discussed, and it was decided that that Jacob Powers would write a letter in support of Black Lives Matter and in response to the Kingwood protests. It was agreed that the written document that explains the Complaint Process needs to be updated to reflect that the City Attorney receives an initial copy of the complaint for review of jurisdiction. Little has been heard about the Minority Liaison Coordinating Council, but it was agreed that we should continue to support the project and be prepared to assist the new City Manager when they come onboard. The Open to All program was discussed. Don Spencer agreed to talk to Eve Faulkes about the design. The new name of “All Are Welcome” was also discussed. Pursuing an independent program may require the assistance of other Morgantown groups such as the NAACP, PFLAG, Morgantown Pride, etc. Kristen Cooper will send a copy of the last version of the brochure to the commissioners for review at the next meeting. Jacob Powers reported on the Inclusivity Mural which is a project that has been discussed for several years. The main obstacle is finding a building to use as a canvas. The side of the Bartlett House was suggested as possibility, and Amy Chandler agreed to contact the owner to inquire about interest. A doodle poll will be conducted to determine a new date for the Orientation meeting. New Business: The recent protests in Kingwood are a source of concern. The Commission wondered if there were any ways of supporting the cause. It was suggested that we would contact Danielle Walker for suggestions about what we can do. The Annual Human Rights Awards were discussed. The manner of execution was raised in consideration of the need for social distancing and limitations on events. Virtual event possibilities were discussed. It was agreed that we want the Mayor to be involved and possibly present the awards in the City Chambers. Integration of a video element was discussed in addition to a live WebEx meeting. We will contact Andrew Stacy about getting the city’s assistance in this event and Amy Chandler will work on the 2 video editing element. For the October meeting, each of the commissioners will come to the meeting with ideas for the award recipients. Ongoing Projects: There has been no response from WVU about the Community Film Series, and it is predicted that the program will be dormant this year. The Indigenous Peoples Day idea is coming up onto a timing issue. Jacob Powers offered to test the waters with the City Council on the idea. Everyone was encouraged to check the HRC Annual Calendar. Announcements: The next meeting will take place on October 15, 2020 and will be via video conference. The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 pm. Submitted by Kristen Cooper 3