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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/16/2013 SOUTHOLD TOWN ANTI-BIAS TASK FORCE MINUTES-9/16/13 PRESENT: Leroy Heyliger, Carolyn Peabody, Mike Domino, Louise Hug, Jean LePre, Eleanor Lingo, Valerie Shelby, Peter Bell, Marjorie Day, Susan Dingle GUESTS: Councilman William Ruland, Lucius Ware (President E.L.L, NAACP) Guests were welcomed. New member, Louise Hug was introduced. Former member of the Yoth Board and Children's Librarian, she was involved in Child Protective Services and in developing resources for families in Suffolk County. She is also a first responder with the Red Cross and is studying Chemical Dependency at SCCC. REPORTSFROM THESCHOOLS There have been no responses from Southold or Greenport to the letter which was sent out about the Dignity Act. Mattituck did not respond to the letter, but Caorlyn received an email from Jim McKenna announcing another meeting of the Diversity Committee, which consists of faculty, staff, Sr. Margaret Smythe and Carolyn. They are working on a program called °IYs Not Complicated" to deal with issues of prejudice. There will be a meeting in the Mattituck HS auditorium on Thursday, Sept 19th, at 7:30 which Task Force Members are encouraged to attend to show our support. Discussion followed about how to follow up with the letter. Loretta had written a letter to the Editor acknolwdging the schools efforts' in dealing with bullying. It was agreed to hold the letter until the schools had taken such action. Eleanor brought up that the book Icons of the Civil Rights Movement was ready to be delivered to the schools: 2 each to Mattituck, Southold and Greenport, 1 each to New Suffolk, Oysterponds and Our Lady of Mercy. Councilman Rulin brought up need to include Fishers Island in the distribution, which was noted. Carolyn introduced that Missy McCabe had made a report of a complaint: A teacher who had been reprimanded in the past for being homophobic and abusive toward students, has continued this behavior after the reprimand. The need to address this situation in a timely manner led to Val volunteering to meet with the superintendent and the Greenport representatives, Cindy Smith and Rev. Heyward. The role of the Board of Education was discussed, considering the seriousness of what is alleged and the importance of protecting children. The ways in which such a situation could escalate are too well known. A meeting will be set up for Missy to speakwith Supt Commando, and that Board Members are likely aware of the situation. Louise suggested that the organization "Bias-Help° be invited to speak to the task force at the next meeting on Oct. 21st. This was agreed. ERASE RACISM The committee has been working with this non-profit organization to setup a training for local community leaders. There was a question about how to raise funds for the event in the proper manner, as no direct solicitation is permitted under law. Mike read a letter from the town attorney that town agencies can accept gifts and donations for municipal activities, but cannot solicit. It was suggested that individuals might speakwith their churches or other organizations and request a donation. Discussion of need to have all contributions equally valued, regardless of the size of the contribution. It was agreed that a meeting be held to discuss the specifics of the training that would be offered, so that we will have some idea of the cost. Carolyn explained the 2 day training. The first training deals with examining biases and prejudices and the second training is about dealing with racism in the community. The next meeting of the committee to determine what we want to achieve will be held at Mike's Deli on Sept 30 C+~10 AM. Leroy brought up that the 50th anniversary of the bombing in Birmingham is 2 weeks after the March on Washington and the speech of Rev. Martin Luther King. Leroy noted that not too many youth were involved in the picnic, and suggested that we reach out more to HS kids, especially since they can earn credit for volunteering at community services. He raised the question, why can we be on the community service list? There was discussion of involving students in a meeting of the Task Force with the possibility of getting credit for it. Eleanor mentioned the need for ideas for involving HS students in the Anti-bullying project, and requested that ideas be presented at the next meeting. An issue was raised about NAACP meetings being held in Greenport or on the North Fork Mr. Ware noted that the establishment of a chapter takes much effort. There was discussion about the growing diversity of the community. NEW BUSINESS: A proposed theme of the MLK Program was "We come together in the spirit of MLK to protect and serve our community.° Members were in favor of considering other themes in anon-going discussion. The date for the picnic next year was discussed. Respectfully Submitted, Susan Dingle (Amended and correct 10/21/13)