Human Rights Commission

City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes for December 18, 2020 Present: Jacob Powers, Chair Kristen Cooper, Secretary Jan Derry Jena Martin Don Spencer, Volunteer Dee Dee McIntosh, PFLAG Liaison Meeting called to order by Jacob Powers, Chair, at 3:15 P.M. The meeting took place online due to pandemic restrictions. The agenda was distributed and approved with the addition of a Reimbursement Request. Public Session: Bonnie Brown from WVU Native American Studies Department was in attendance. She relayed the gratitude of the native community for the work of the HRC. She also talked about advancements taking place such as the change in sport mascots, the election of a Native American to Congress, and the nomination of a Native American as Secretary of the Department of the Interior. She stressed the importance of the Indigenous Peoples Day in light of the fact that the genocide of Native Americans began with Columbus’ coming to America. Priority Items: A revision was made to the wording of the Land Acknowledgement Statement and the associated resolution. The revised statement reflects the indigenous names and European names and will be as follows: We begin by acknowledging for ourselves and our Morgantown community that we are on the traditional territory of native peoples, including, over time, the Shawnee, Delaware (Lenape), the Seneca of the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy, and others. We acknowledge these people, their traditions, and our shared history as we work together: respecting the contributions of all; responding to each other with civility, kindness, and gratitude for our community’s rich diversity; and striving to treat the environment with care. Jena Martin moved that the updated Land Acknowledgement Statement and associated resolution be adopted. The motion was seconded by Ash Orr. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously. 1 Don Spencer asked for approval of expenses related to the Human Rights Awards ceremony in the amount of $25.75. Jena Martin moved to approve the reimbursement of the expenses. The motion was seconded by Ash Orr. The motion passes by a unanimous vote. A general discussion of the rescheduling of the Human Rights Awards took place. Ash Orr will be doing some research and will inform the Commissioners about a new date for the award ceremony. The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm. Submitted by Kristen Cooper 2