Human Rights Commission

Morgantown Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes for February 16, 2023 Attendees: (via Zoom): Bonnie Brown, Keenan McClane (Secretary), Annie Cronan Yorick, Ash Orr (Chair), Danny Trejo (Vice-Chair), and (via telephone) Jena Martin Absent: Zoey Vilasuso Liaisons: Brian Butcher, City Council, and Tim Hairston, WVHRC ● Called to Order at 6:33 p.m. Public Session: N/A Commissioner Updates Tim Hairston (WVHRC update) ● The WVHRC is still short 3 commissioners and is awaiting the appointment of a new administrative law judge. Ash Orr House Bill 2125 to dissolve the WVHRC is still active, but it has not seen much movement. There are rumors of more anti-LGBT bills to be introduced but that there is nothing official. ● Submitted his formal letter of resignation from the Morgantown HRC to focus on other priorities. ● Spoke to City Council about commissioners being recognized at the next City Council meeting (Tuesday, February 21) Bonnie Brown ● Updated on the Forum for Displaced Tribal Leaders: It is moved to the Fall so that it can take place on Indigenous People's Day. The official event name is "This Land Was Already Loved". Priority Items ● Commissioner resignations and restructuring: ○ Ash described the last time something like this happened and invited conversation. Jena Martin clarified some points on restructuring procedures. ○ Keenan McClane agreed to reach out to commissioners about restructuring in advance of elections at the next meeting to learn who is willing to serve as an officer. ○ Discussed asking the City to create a more official digital space for handling documents ○ Jena asked if the commission would like to move to in-person meetings moving forward. Discussion about logistics followed. Bonnie Brown agreed to email the City to schedule a physical meeting room. ○ Ash affirmed that all templates and documents for future meetings are on the existing Google Drive and agreed to send out a link to all members. ○ Jena Martin agreed to handle the Agenda for the next meeting in March. ○ Annie will attend via Zoom from abroad and Jena likely cannot attend the March meeting. Brian Butcher confirmed that hybrid meetings are allowable, as that will facilitate their occurrence. Looking ahead ● Commissioner outreach - Ash Orr reiterated that with the resignation, it would be helpful for us to reach out to potential commissioners.  ● Commissioner retreat: Bonnie Brown suggested a casual social gathering for commissioners to better get to know each other and discuss potential new commissioners. The suggestion was well received, but Jena Martin commented that she could not attend on a Saturday. Adjournment ● Next Commission Meeting: March 16, 2023 ● Meeting Adjourned at 7:17 p.m. ●