Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 Annual Report AGENDA NO. EA � r AGENDA REPORT Action r, , Council : Endorsed V TO: City Manager Modifie,1 Rejected FROM: Sherrie Le, Human Resource Director Date _ RE: HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT DATE: March 15, 1996 INTRODUCTION Attached is the 1995 Human Relations Commission Annual Report for your information and review. Gordon Heininger, Chair, will be present at the March 25 Council meeting to answer any questions. RECOMMENDATION Approval of the 1995 Human Relations Commission Annual Report. tmc • Attachment CITY O MAPLEWOOD ,,, .., ,, , _,,, T„, „.......,` , . ,..,,,,,, ,„et, -,..\,, ., ,....,,, .,\, .l 4 _ J 14. li u, � ' \lc , } �a\` \ ,'- \\\\ / .�- 1 1 �_.A r,f 'R. ti \_ \\ _ 91 T\� j HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION 1995 ANNUAL REPORT MEMORANDUM DATE: March 25, 1996 TO: Mayor Gary Bastian City Council City Manager FROM: Gordon Heininger, Chair Human Relations Commission RE: 1995 ANNUAL REPORT The Maplewood Human Relations Commission respectfully submits its 1995 Annual Report pursuant to Article IV, Sec. 2-75 of the City Ordinance. During 1995, the Commission continued its mission of improving the human relations climate of our community by sponsoring our first community event at the Maplewood Community Center. The activities and accomplishments of the Commission are outlined in this report, as well as its goals and objectives for 1996. We look forward to expanding our activities in 1996 to include a collaborative venture with surrounding Human Relations Commissions. We look forward to enhancing our relationships with all Maplewood City officials and departments for the benefit of our residents. CITY OF MAPLEWOOD 1830 E. COUNTY ROAD B MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA 55109 March 25, 1996 To The Citizens of Maplewood: It is my pleasure to submit to you, the citizens of Maplewood, the 1995 Maplewood Human Relations Commission's Annual Report. The terms "diversity," "hate crimes," "bias and prejudice," "human rights," etc. can arouse some interesting reactions. Many individuals shy away from these issues or live in a vacuum, assuming that an act of bias or hate "couldn't happen in my community." As in most situations, ignoring these issues or pretending they do not exist, do not make them disappear. It is sadly recognized among all Maplewood Human Relations Commission members, that many individuals residing in this community are not even aware that this Commission exists. We also know that other community members are aware of the Commission by name only; they do not realize our function and purpose. Thus, I invite you to read this report so that you can gain a better understanding of our function and to learn more about human relations in general. I encourage you to attend one of our monthly meetings so that you can experience first hand, what we actually do. Finally, I challenge you to get more involved in the area of human rights, as it impacts our community. I particularly challenge religious, educational, fraternal and business organizations to work with us in a collaborative vein, to make this a community in which we all can be proud to work and/or reside. Sincerely, Gordon Heininger, Chairperson MHRC Equal Opportunity Employer LISTING OF RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS OF ACTS OF BIAS OR HATE CRIMES ST PAUL RAMSEY MEDICAL CENTER 221-8922 Psychiatric Social Worker (Crisis Situations) 640 Jackson/Emergency Room NEIGHBORHOOD JUSTICE CENTER 222-4703 500 Laurel Avenue St. Paul NEIGHBORHOOD JUSTICE CENTER (Spanish speaking) 227-8497 426 South Wabasha St. Paul RAMSEY COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER 215-0600 (Legal Assistance) MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION 770-4524 MAPLEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT (Emergency) 911 (Non-Emergency) 777-8191 (Supervisor of Investigations) 770-4537 MAPLEWOOD CITY HALL 770-4500 (Voice) 779-4995 (TTY) MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS 296-5663 (Voice) (Interpreters available for 296-1283 (TTY) languages other then English) FIRST CALL FOR HELP 224-1133 (Information & Referral) MINNESOTA RELAY SERVICE* 297-5353 * If you are hearing or speech impaired or need to contact someone who is: Dial 297-5353 (Twin Cities), or 1-800-627-3529 (greater Minnesota). Give the communications assistant (CA) your area code and number and the area code and telephone number of the person you are calling. The CA will stay on the line to type/voice communication. TABLE OF CONTENTS POLICY AND ORGANIZATION 1 COMMISSION ROSTER/ATTENDANCE RECORD 2 1995 CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS 3 1996 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 5 1996 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 6 APPENDICES PROCEDURAL RESPONSE TO ACTS OF BIAS AND PREJUDICE A STATE OF DIVERSITY--POLICY GOALS FOR THE 1990'S B CHILDREN'S DIVERSITY PLEDGE C IT'S THE 'PERSON FIRST'--THEN THE DISABILITY D CONFRONTING ISSUES OF PREJUDICE E SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT WHEN CONSIDERING THE NEED FOR BOTH TOLERANCE AND UNDERSTANDING F WHAT RESEARCH TELLS US ABOUT REDUCING PREJUDICE G POLICY AND ORGANIZATION The MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION was created by City Ordinance No. 239 on April 18, 1968. It is the policy of the Commission to fulfill its charge as a partner with the State Department of Human Rights, in securing for all citizens equal opportunity in housing, employment, public accommodations, public services and education; and to work consistently to improve the human relations climate of the community. There are seven members on the Commission appointed for three-year terms by the City Council upon recommendation of the Commission. Meetingsoheld monthly City Hall. All ept J and August) at 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at Maplewood meetings are open to the public. It shall be the duty of the Commission to implement its policies. Such implementation may be accomplished by making reports and/or recommendations to the City Manager and/or the City Council, and by engaging in public relations and educational programs as it deems necessary to accomplish established policy. Additional copies of this report are available at the Maplewood City Hall upon request. Contact the Commission Chairperson through the City Manager's Office (770-4524) concerning any matters relating to the Commission. 1 1995 CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS JANUARY * Contacted Maplewood schools regarding the Diversity Award and Poster Contest. * Discussed ways of recruiting new members. * Began initial update of MHRC Annual Report. * Interviewed one applicant to fill vacancy on MHRC, recommended Lynne Croes' appointment. FEBRUARY * Advertised MHRC vacancy. * Reviewed draft of MHRC Annual Report. * Judged Diversity Awareness posters and selected winners. * Selected winner of the Diversity Awareness Award. * MHRC elections: Marie Koehler elected as MHRC Chairperson, Gordon Heininger elected as Vice Chair, and Lynne Croes elected as Secretary. MARCH * MHRC Annual Report finalized. * MHRC Annual Report submitted to the City Council. * Interviewed two applicants to fill vacancies on the MHRC, recommended Regina Laroche-Theune and Linda Wainio's appointment. * Initial discussion and planning of MHRC's sponsorship of a community event regarding diversity. * Presented Diversity Award to Edgerton School. * Submitted first draft of our procedural response to Acts of Bias and Prejudice. APRIL * Attended award ceremonies at Mounds Park School and Presentation of Mary School and presented awards to winners and participants of the poster contest. * Continued discussion and planning of MHRC's sponsorship of a community event. * Discussed plans for participating in the City of Maplewood's Open House. MAY * Sent copies of the 1994 MHRC Annual Report to businesses in Maplewood. * Participated in the Maplewood City Hall Open House: - Set-up a display with informational materials Sponsored Soulsjourney * Finalized procedural response to Acts of Bias and Prejudice. * Agreed to sponsor an Opening Night Reception and Discussion after the performance of"To Kill a Mockingbird." * Marilyn Vars, representing the Tri-District Community School, presented information to MHRC members regarding the new tri-district multi-cultural school. 3 1996 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES * Establish a partnership with local businesses, educational, religious and/or fraternal organizations regarding human rights. * Sponsor and promote sensitivity awareness activities for the residents of Maplewood which will address an area(s) of human rights. * Offer no fault grievance mediation services to residents of Maplewood. * Invite and encourage local schools to participate in the annual Diversity Awareness Award and the Diversity Awareness Poster Contest sponsored by the MHRC. * Develop a working relationship with one or more of the Human Relations Commissions in the area. * Attend various workshops and educational/informational activities related to diversity and human rights. * Collaborate with the Department of Human Rights on projects of mutual concern. * Advise the Mayor, City Council and the City of Maplewood on human relation issues. * Collaborate with the Maplewood Police Department when acts of bias, discrimination, and prejudice are reported. * Promote and support awareness of the Americans with Disabilities Act throughout the Maplewood private and public sectors. 5 APPENDICES MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION PROCEDURAL RESPONSE TO ACTS OF BIAS AND PREJUDICE Action Steps: 1. A Coordinator, appointed from within the Commission on a yearly basis, will handle any contact of reported acts of bias and prejudice from the Commission membership, Chief of Police, or the general public. 2. The Commission, or Chief of Police on behalf of the Commission, will mail a letter of support to the victim(s) with a brochure outlining the victim(s) rights and resources that they might want to contact for further assistance. 3. If and when the name of the victim(s) can be released, the Coordinator can call the victim(s) and offer to visit with another Commission member to discuss further any options they may want to pursue. 4. Subsequent information regarding the incident will be shared with the Commission and the media when relevant and appropriate. 5. Follow up to the victim(s) in writing or contact will be made if deemed necessary. 6. Relevant names, titles, and phone numbers of those persons who may have to be involved include: CHIEF OF POLICE HRC STAFF LIAISON Kenneth Collins Sherrie Le 770-4531 770-4527 CITY MANAGER HRC CHAIR Michael McGuire Gordon Heininger 770-4524 772-2300 1995 BIAS RESPONSE COORDINATOR Gordon Heininger 772-2300 1996 BIAS RESPONSE COORDINATOR Carole Cude 770-1052 Attachment 06/95 A of `► ♦ ,,, W . 1P w . r 4 r . ` 4 of ♦ . . 4 , , s '' f s r t t e F.i►..i • ♦, ! h. 1r V �. ' s ♦ ♦. a I .'ra f I \1 TM 4 i) t CULTURAL I► EXCHANGE CORPORATION s P C) LtN'S rIW tie) i F ft )s iiik At1'vtSTY r ` • ill t) v rbelieve that all kids are different and special in their own way; I believe all kids deserve to be loved, accepted and respected ._• for who they are; I 4 will work on being a good friend, so that all children feel ' welcome around me and my family; f �I will not judge people because of where they live, the color 4 of their skin, their abilities, their spiritual beliefs, or whether they are a girl or a boy; a 4 III can and will find the good in all people; 4 4 4 'ri will not tell or listen to jokes that make fun of other i people; 1 I1 will be a peacemaker in my family and in my school; P► will show pride in my family and heritage; il 8 will learn as much as I can about my family traditions, and the traditions of other kids in my school; • il ,) will try new things and think about new ideas, because it • helps me be a better person. V ©1994 Cultural Toys,A Division of Cultural Exchange Corporation,Minneapolis,MN,All Rights Reserved ,) Y i ^. . . ^ Yft( _ wilk,,.44A46,AIV: KT, / V Ilk.,_ A ma& Ar.$0 A CONFRONTING ISSUES OF PREJUDICE 1. DON'T IGNORE IT!!! Don't let an ethnic slur or joke pass without remark. To do so sends the message that you are in agreement with such behavior or attitudes. 2. Beware of your own hesitancies to intervene in these situations. Confront your own fears about interrupting discrimination, set your priorities, and take action. 3. Be open to the limitations your own attitudes, stereotypes, and expectations place on your perspective. None of us remain untouched by the discriminatory images and behaviors we have been socialized to believe. 4. Don't be afraid of possible tension or conflict. In certain situations it may be unavoidable. Theses are sensitive and deep-seated issues that won't change without some struggle. 5. Project a feeling of understanding when discriminatory events occur. 6. Explain and engage when you confront prejudice. Try not to preach or be self- righteous. 7. Eradicating racism is a long-term struggle requiring continuous change and growth. Try not to get too frustrated. 8. Be a role model. Practice the positive values you are trying to each. Try not to compartmentalize your response to "multicultural time," but rather integrate these concepts into all instruction. 9. Distinguish between categorical thinking and stereotyping. For example, "redheads" is a category, but "redheads have fiery tempers" is a stereotype. 10. Remember that issues of human dignity, equality, and safety are non-negotiable. Anti-Defamation League-A World of Difference Institute E WHAT RESEARCH TELLS US ABOUT REDUCING PREJUDICE • Facts alone are not sufficient to reduce prejudice. • Social class prejudice may be stronger than racial or religious prejudice. • Persons with high self-acceptance tend to have a low degree of prejudice. • The cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of prejudice are not necessarily related. • Films and other media can be used effectively to improve attitudes between groups. • Social contacts between group members may reduce prejudice. • Amount of time spent learning about a group is directly related to reduction in prejudice. • A climate that fosters open discussion of negative feelings can encourage a change to more positive attitudes. • Understanding the process of prejudice and stereotyping can lead to more accepting attitudes. Social Education, Volume 49, Number 7, October 1985. pp 604-609 G -"L.....P. 4 --‘ gar i , ID isibot ` R of" ' e,..., dr, 0, ......... . ..., , , . It , , • . # ,s, ' : : 4, '1' '7 4 , ..,... ••0110111, I. R , 1 * < ' a O Ir 04:64. t"`" w. ,�► fit (if ‘44°: N� 0f < We've more to offer than our l A statewide natural resource of over 200 ethnic groups. For information call (612) 535-1051. THE LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ROSTER AND ATTENDANCE Original Appointment End of No. Meetings Date Term Attended Lynne Croes, Secretary 1-95 12-97 9/10 Carol Cude 11-93 12-97 8/10 Gordon Heininger, Vice Chair 1-91 12-95 10/10 Marie Koehler, Chair 10-93 12-96 10/10 Regina Laroche-Theune 3-95 12-95 8/8 Gail Schiff 3-94 12-96 4/10 Linda Wainio 3-95 12-97 6/8 Sherrie Le (ex officio) Human Resource Director Michael McGuire (ex officio) City Manager 2 1995 CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS (cont.) JUNE * Appointed a coordinator for the Acts of Bias and Prejudice response network. * Mort Ryweck, from the League of Human Rights Commission, presented information to MHRC members on hate/bias crimes. * Finalized plans for the Opening Night Reception and Discussion following the play "To Kill a Mockingbird." JULY * Sponsored the Opening Night Reception and Discussion following the play "To Kill a Mockingbird." * No MHRC meeting. AUGUST * No MHRC meeting. SEPTEMBER * MHRC members developed their annual workplan. * Coordinated the MHRC Procedural Response to Acts of Bias and Prejudice with the Maplewood Chief of Police. * MHRC members attended The League of Minnesota Human Rights Commission's 24th annual conference on Education - Human Rights. * Solicited donations for the Diversity Award and Poster Contest. * Advertised to fill vacancy on MHRC. OCTOBER * Heidi Mitchell, representing the Early Childhood Family Education program, presented information about ECFE program and their efforts to serve "under-served" families. * Developed Diversity Awareness Award and Diversity Awareness Poster Contest materials. NOVEMBER * Began discussing plans for a 1996 community event sponsored by the MHRC. * Finalized plans for the Diversity Awareness Award and Diversity Poster Contest. * Interviewed four candidates to fill one vacancy on the MHRC. Submitted names of two candidates to City Council for consideration. * MHRC member attended League of Minnesota Human Rights Commission's seminar on forming human rights task forces in the schools. DECEMBER * Mailed out Diversity Awareness Award and Diversity Awareness Poster Contest materials to all schools in Maplewood. * Approved letter to be sent out to businesses promoting the activities of the MHRC. * Drafted publicity article for the Diversity Awareness Poster Contest. * Began initial update of the MHRC Annual Report. * Responded to a discrimination complaint received from a Maplewood resident. * MHRC elections: Gordon Heininger elected as Chair, Carole Cude elected as Vice Chair, and Lynne Croes elected as Secretary. 4 1996 CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.'S BIRTHDAY FEBRUARY BLACK HISTORY MONTH JUDGE DIVERSITY AWARENESS CURRICULUMS& DIVERSITY AWARENESS POSTERS MARCH WOMEN OF COLOR RECOGNITION DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH AWARD WINNER OF THE DIVERSITY AWARENESS CURRICULUM APRIL 1968 - CIVIL RIGHTS ACT SIGNED 1968 - MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION CREATED AWARD WINNERS AND PARTICIPANTS OF DIVERSITY AWARENESS POSTER CONTEST MAY CINCO DE MAYO DAY AMERICAN INDIAN MONTH CITY OPEN HOUSE DIVERSITY AWARD PREPARATION JUNE RACE UNITY DAY HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD PRESENTATION JULY INDEPENDENCE DAY (NO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING) AUGUST WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY (NO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING) SEPTEMBER WORLD PEACE DAY ANNUAL MEETING (THE LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS) DEVELOP ANNUAL WORK PLAN MEXICO'S INDEPENDENCE DAY OCTOBER DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH NOVEMBER ELECTION DAY DECEMBER INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 6 The following excerpt is from the Office of Strategic and Long Range Planning,State of Minnesota, Suite 300, Centennial Office Building, 658 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55155, 296-3985. STATE OF DIVERSITY POLICY GOALS FOR THE 1990'S 1. Minnesotans of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds will have free access to all parts of society without fear of discrimination or harassment. 2. Communities of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds will be respected. All Minnesotans will be free to cultivate their heritage and to participate fully in mainstream society. 3. Communities of color will have genuine representation and be respected as equals in all areas of public decision-making. People of color will be able to guide programs and policies that specifically and uniquely affect their communities. 4. Government will commit its resources to building an environment in which diverse people can thrive and contribute to Minnesota's future. The state will fully include and retain people of color in its work force. 5. People of all racial and ethnic communities will build wealth and financial security through business growth, property ownership and well-paying jobs. 6. People of color will have education, skills and credentials and quality employment on a par with other Minnesotans. 7. Children of color will be fully included and equally treated in all school classrooms and programs and will achieve academic success comparable to that of other children. Schools will value diverse cultures, reduce biased behaviors and nurture all children. 8. No Minnesotans will be denied their choice of housing because of their race or ethnicity. B It's the 'Person First' - Then the Disability In speaking or writing, remember that Say. . . Instead of. . . children or adults with disabilities are like everyone else--except they child with a disability disabled or handicapped child happen to have a disability. person with cerebral palsy palsied, or C.P. or spastic Therefore, here are a few tips for improving your language related to person who is deaf or hard of deaf and dumb disabilities and handicaps. hearing person with retardation retarded 1. Speak of the person first, then the disability. person with epilepsy or person epileptic with seizure disorder 2. Emphasize abilities, not person who has. . . afflicted, suffers from, victim limitations. without speech, nonverbal mute, or dumb 3. Do not label people as part of a disability group--don't say "the developmental delay slow disabled;" say "people with emotional disorder, or mental crazy or insane disabilities." illness 4. Don't give excessive praise or uses a wheelchair confined to a wheelchair attention to a person with a with Down Syndrome mongoloid disability; don't patronize them. has a learning disability is learning disabled 5. Choice and independence are important; let the person do or nondisabled normal, healthy speak for him/herself as much as has a physical disability crippled possible; if addressing an adult, say "Bill" instead of "Billy." congenital disability birth defect condition disease (unless it is a disease) 6. A disability is a functional limitation that interferes with a seizures fits person's ability to walk, hear, talk, learn, etc.; use handicap to cleft lip hare lip describe a situation or barrier mobility impaired lame imposed by society, the environment or oneself. medically involved, or has chronic sickly illness paralyzed invalid or paralytic has hemiplegia (paralysis of one hemiplegic C131\°. side of the body) has quadriplegia (paralysis of quadriplegic both arms and legs) has paraplegia (loss of function in paraplegic lower body only) 1991. PACER Center,Inc. Reprinted of short stature dwarf of midget from June 1989,PACER Center Early Childhood Connection and September 1989,PACER Center PACESETTER. accessible parking handicapped parking D Something to think about when considering the need for both tolerance and understanding . . . If we could at this very moment shrink the earth's population to a village of precisely 100—but maintain the existing human ratios—it would look like this: 57 Asians 21 Europeans 14 Western Hemispheric People (North and South Americans) 8 Africans 70 Non-white 30 White 70 Non-Christian 30 Christian 70 Unable to read 50 Malnourished 80 Live in substandard housing 1 University graduate Fifty percent of the entire world's wealth would be in the hands of 6 people—all citizens of the United States. From the ERIC Search of United Nations Demographic Data,September 1, 1985.These statistics were compiled by a Chicago Public Schools administrator and were taken from the Association for Retired Citizens Newsletter, Vol. 16, Issue 6, June 1990. F FSS• tir. v S`. y: fi .,,s.:. 1,0 ',7'4,,,,f;%''', ...4.V0,•.xl;'44 i; .,:,:.'..1.4,.6.4,,,,,,,,,i.u.,,,..i.,,, , '* ',-1-7,'"..„4Vir/'4..'*it.I''.5.'"''''''''*"-'':'''''''1"'---'71'-hk .`,211-,7„,`,..- , 't'',1,,,`!"', "Make a career of humanity. . and you will make a great person of yourself' 4 .',greater nation of your country, and a finer world`to'live in." ...: ' Martin Lut g Jr. e .. C‘likaxe€ t