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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 02/14/1991HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION February 14, 1991 MINUTES CHAIRPERSON: Gary Wells VICE CHAIRPERSON: - Alyea Stanton RECORDER: Rudy Garcia MEMBERS PRESENT: Rickie Calkins Mary Daniel Gary Wells Rudy Garcia MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF LIAISON: Becky O'Donnell Jaime Mares GUESTS: Cynthia Bergen Lt. Kelly Elaine Boni Man Oberoi Alyea Stanton Linda Beardsley Harold Wallace Meeting was called to order by Gary Wells at 5:35 pm. Motion was made to accept the January 10, 1991 minutes. The following change will be made to the January minutes: The CAB meets on Thursday's. Motion to except the amended minutes was made, and motion was passed. New Business Gary Wells introduced Cynthia Bergen and Lt. Kelly to the HRC members. Cynthia called Gary to discuss some concerns she has as regards to our Arab and Muslim communities. Ms. Bergen developed and read the following statement to the HRC: 'My name is Cynthia Bergen and I have been a resident, on and off, of Fort Collins since 1961. 1 am here to voice my concern for the safety and well-being of the Arabs, and other Middle East nationals and Muslims in our community. Although I have entertained serious doubts about the Gulf War, I have chosen not to demonstrate publicly, but I believe that we, as a community, have a responsibility for insuring peace after the war is over. The City of Fort Collins may not be the appropriate place to determine foreign policy, but I believe we have certain responsibilities to these Middle Eastern nationals in our midst: 1. Effective enforcement of civil rights laws by not only the police, but by merchants and citizens generally. 2. Education of the public about Arabs, and Islam. 3. Formation of a committee of Arabs and Fort Collins citizens and officials to provide for exchanging information on problems and for cultural exchange. My impression, after talking with officials at CSU and in the city is that while there is plenty of good will locally, efforts and knowledge are fragmented, so that we are not as effective as we might be. While a city cannot direct foreign policy, one of the causes of the war in the Gulf has been serious misunderstandings and miscalculations by Americans. Our ignorance is appalling and has led us into a posture, to quote Prof. Dan Lyons of CSU, of an 'elephant in a henyard.' How we treat these Muslims and Middle Eastern guests today may have a profound effect on whether we can achieve a stable and lasting peace in the Gulf after the war. I would like to suggest the following local actions: 1. Formation of a steering committee or an information clearing -house, as I have already suggested. 2. Public education, through discussion groups, in Arab history, culture and politics. This task could be under taken by the schools, the Public Library, and other adult education resources. 3. An intensive campaign by the Chamber of Commerce and service clubs to make merchants 'Arab -aware' and to make stores and public places sage for Arabs from harassment' Lt. Kelly was asked to response to some of the problems that the Arab and Muslim citizens have weathered during the Gulf crisis. Lt. Kelly explained that our Arab and Muslim friends have encountered verbal harassment from some members of our community. Lt. Kelly has been in contact with the Arab and Muslim community leaders to offer the support and protection of the city police department He suggested that the HRC could send a note of support to the Arab and Muslim leadership. We would like to thank Ms. Bergen and Lt. Kelly for their time and effort, and for their support of the Arab and Muslim community. The HRC will take their recommendations and advice under consideration. Committee of Executive Delegation Elaine Boni tried to contact the-Arab>and Muslim leaders, however, they did not return her phone call... After a lengthy discussion on what course of action the HRC should take in regard to offering support to the Arab and Muslim communities. The HRC passed the following motion: the Committee of Executive Delegation (CED) would continue their efforts to contact the leaders of the Arab and Muslim communities. When communication is established, the CED would ask the Arab and Muslim leaders what they would like from the HRC. Elaine and Mary submitted a letter written by Robert Evans for review. Mr. Evans invited the HRC to support the contents of the letter (copy of letter attached to minutes). However, the HRC members were not supportive of the fourth paragraph that contained a reference to the mistreatment of Japanese - Americans in WWII. The HRC did not feel that this statement was appropriate. This concern will be communicated to Robert Evans by Elaine and Mary. EEO/AA Report The EEO/AA committee did not meet in January. Police Report Linda, Harold and Man sat in on their first case of the year. Their impression was that the public might have a misconception of the role of the HRC police committee. They do not handle appeals, but they provide advice on how the investigation was handle. The charge of the group is to make sure that the investigation was handled appropriately, correctly, and honestly. Hence, the HRC police committee can help the community and the police department on the investigation process. Linda handed out several brochures from the police department. The brochures cover a variety of subjects such as, crime stoppers; safety skills for children; latchkey children; sexual abuse; etc.. Human Relations Award The HRA committee submitted copies of the nomination forms for the Human Relations Awards. There are three categories: ■ Senior Award (60 years and older). ■ Adult Award (19-59 years of age). ■ Junior Award (18 & younger). The awards will be presented May 10 during a breakfast ceremony at the Lincoln Center. Community Action Board The CAB did not have any new items to report to the HRC. Old Business Gary would like the members to review the civil rights package that was enclosed with the January minutes. Please be ready to discuss a plan of action by the March meeting. Meeting is adjourned at 7:38 pm. Next meeting will be March 14, 5:30 - 7:00 pm., Council Information Center, 300 Laporte Avenue. Minutes approved: Gary Wells, Chairperson Date Rudy Garcia, Recorder Date