HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/20/2008SOUTHOLD TOWN ANTI-BIAS TASK FORCE
MINUTES, OCTOBER 20,2008
In Attendance: Jeanne Merkel, Edana Cichanoqicz, Betty Murphy, Marjorie
Day, Jean Le Pm, Merle Levine, Carolyn Peabody, Peter Bel,
Elaine Breese, Eleanor Lingo
Absent: Val Shelby, Cindy Smith
No Minutes available
Bias experience recounted by a young woman, giving specific examples to
support her contention.. Individuals who dealt with her cited specifically. Carolyn
Peabody has planned meetings in response to her experience and the violation of
Contract.
In the bias concerns raised by Walter and written up in the Suffolk
Times--the School Superintendent had the Human Rights Assoc. provide training for
the custodial staff. There is a further need for everyone in the school system to be
provided with such training
Marjorie Day reported on a bias incident in a drive-by person shouting "Nigger"
and other such incidents reported in Greenport
Jeanne Merkel reported on the work of the Clergy Panel Committee and provided
a detailed summary of their Exploratory Agenda. Committee members felt it was
necessary ti, engage in more groundwork before trying to engage the clergy in any panel
discussion. They recommended that a packet of information be developed that can be
given to clergy and congregations - and others: A revised ABTF brochure; a synopsis of
the ABTF history and accomplishments; handouts on how to recognize and address bias
in organizations; anti-bias training information (i.e. Erase Racism, etc.) and a list of
resources
Report of the Education Committee: the videos on the experiences of
In the Civil Rights movement, have been given to the various schools.
Concern now about the Martin Luther King, Jr. program. Rev. Malcolm Byrd has not
responded to om' invitation ( we are reminded that he was getting married in October).
Marjorie Day will contact him as a follow-up to our letter. The Education Committee,
including Jeanne Merkel, Betty Murphy, Jean Le Pre, Eleanor Lingo, Cindy Smith
and Val Shelby need to be called about the meeting, Monday, Oct. 26 at the Main St.
Grill at 10:00 a.m..
Prospects for Erase Racism arc on hold since we do not yet have a budget to draw
on for payment for the teachers. We did address the concern for training for the police
and the possibility of the P.B.A. picking up some of the tab as a necessary training and a
good public relations effort. Women-in-Conversation would work with us in this effort.
Eleanor Lingo declared firmly that the September All-Inclusive Picnic be held
In Southold Town, perhaps at Strawberry Fields, perhaps in collaboration with Riverhead,
and definitely to be held on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. Marjorie Day will look into
the budget needs for such an enterprise. There was an awareness that our local businesses,
aside from the economic situation right now, are not as large or profitable as those that
provide support in Southampton.
Meeting adjourned at