HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/17/2008SOUTHOLD TOWN ANTI-BIAS TASK FORCE
Minutes, 11/17/2008
Attendance: Eleanor Lingo, Peter Bel, Betty Murphy, Elaine Breese, Carolyn
Peabody, Marjorie Day, Cindy Smith, Jean Le Pre, Jeanne Merekel
Absent: Val Shelby, Edana Cichauowitz, Addae ..........
Guest: Reverend McDonald Haywood Sr., pastor of AME Zion Church
Minutes received and accepted.
Issues of Bias in Mattituck School District:
Teacher who was let go, who did not have tenure, and reported bias
treatment was reluctant to speak further for fear that that might jeopardize
being able to secure a position in another school.
Walter Munson's complaint of racial bullying by school staff was
addressed by Carolyn Peabody in a meeting with members of the Mattituck School
Board - the President and Vice President, ( a third Board member did not show up.)
The Superintendent was reluctant to deal with the Human Rights Commission until
the issue was reported in the Suffolk Times.
Walter has begun speaking with the attorney, Fred Brewington
The ABTF decided to send letters to the Superintendent, the School Board,
and the Union, regarding our concern about the racial bullying and treatment of
minorities by the staff of the school district. To be prepared by Carolyn Peabody.
It was also decided to send a letter to Walter Munson to thank him for his
efforts, willingness to speak out, and to carry the issue forward to appropriate
agencies.
It was also decided that, in light of the murder in Patchogue, we should also send a
letter to the editor expressing our concern for the "fire being lit" by anti-immigrant
rhetoric.
Finally, w would like to place an ad in the Suffolk Times letting the public know that
we are available to take their complaints of bias.
Planning for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Program on January 18, 2009.
Rev. Malcolm Byrd has accepted our invitation to act as speaker for the
program A letter is to be sent to him, confirming that agreement.
Location of the program; 3 possible venues to be approached in the following
order:
First - Greenport United Methodist Church - Jeanne Merkel will speak with them.
Second -Methodist Church in Sonthold, and Third - Lutheran Church in Southold
Choirs - Eleanor Lingo will contact Unity Church, and the Southold school choir;
Jean Le Pre will contact Mattituck choir director. The hope is still, to be able to
have a joint church and school choir joining in singing at least one song.
Refreshments are donated by the Board members. IGA in Southold and Greenport
were most generous in providing cider.
Jeanne Merkel has volunteered to act as Master of Ceremonies.
The Martin Luther King "I Have a Dream" to be read by a student (Eleanor Lingo
has a young person she would like to ask) and we are to select the section of the
reading. It's necessary to have a copy of the reading and a back-up person, if needed.
The tribute to Frank Le Pre and the Diversity Libraries in the Schools will be
presented by Jacqueline Capichana, Jean Le Pre's granddaughter.
Publicity for the program to be prepared by Merle Levine and Marjorie Day, for
the Suffolk Times. Flyers are to be prepared to send to the churches. And tv and
radio annoancements to be arranged. All two weeks ahead of the program.
Jeanne Merkel will prepare an Order of Service.
Board meeting adjourned at 11:45 am.
Next meeting - Dec. 15, 2008