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HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
1994 ANNUAL REPORT
MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 20, 1995
TO: Mayor Gary Bastian
City Council
City Manager
FROM: Marie Koehler, Chair
Human Relations Commission
RE: 1994 ANNUAL REPORT
The Maplewood Human Relations Commission respectfully submits its 1994 Annual Report
pursuant to Article IV, Sec. 2-75 of the City Ordinance.
During 1994, the Commission continued its mission of improving the human relations
climate of our community. The activities and accomplishments of the Commission are
outlined in this report, as well as its goals and objectives for 1995.
We look forward to expanding our activities in 1995 and to maintaining relationships with
all Maplewood City officials and departments for the benefit of our residents.
CITY OF
MApL EW 0 OD
1830 E. COUNTY ROAD B MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA 55109
March 20, 1995
To The Citizens of Maplewood:
It is my pleasure to submit to you, the citizens of Maplewood, the 1994 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,
Marie Koehler, Chairperson
MHRC
Equal Opportunity Employer
LISTING OF RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS OF
ACTS OF BIAS OR HATE CRIMES
ST PAUL RAMSEY MEDICAL CENTER 221-3456
MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC 298-4737
CRISIS HOTLINE 347-3161
(FOR USE IN TIMES OF DESPERATION OR WHEN
OTHER FACILITIES ARE CLOSED)
PUBLIC DEFENDER 298-5797
NEIGHBORHOOD JUSTICE CENTER 222-4703
MAPLEWOOD CITY HALL TTY 770-4500
MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION 770-4524
MAPLEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT 770-4531
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS 296-5663
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 USING A TTY.
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. Meetings are held monthly (except July
and August) at 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at Maplewood City Hall. All
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
1994 CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
JANUARY * Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday.
* Jim Garret resigned as a member of the MHRC.
* Dave Greenman from Hennepin County, spoke to
MHRC members about a police internship program
designed to assist low income people and people of
color interested in working in the law enforcement
field.
* Began initial update of MHRC Annual Report.
* League of Minnesota Human Rights Commission held a press conference.
FEBRUARY * Updated resource list for victims of acts of bias or hate crimes.
* Presented the MHRC Human Rights Award to Sunshine Nursery School.
* Advertised MHRC vacancy.
* Marie Koehler was re-appointed to serve another MHRC term.
* Continued to update MHRC Annual Report.
* MHRC members attended the League of Minnesota Human Rights
Commission meeting where a presentation was made by Andrew Favorite.
He spoke about the Native American Treaty Rights.
MARCH * MHRC elections: Marie Koehler elected as MHRC Chairperson, Gordon
Heininger elected as Vice Chair, and Carol Cude elected as Secretary.
* MHRC Annual Report finalized.
* Interviewed three applicants to fill vacancy on the MHRC, recommended
Gail Schiffs appointment.
* Mixed Blood Theater presented "Eastern Parade: The Asian-African
Experience" at North High School.
* MHRC members attended a workshop sponsored by The League of
Minnesota Human Rights Commissions entitled: "Mobilizing The
Community To Counter And Prevent Hate Crimes Through Creation Of A
Statewide Network."
APRIL * MHRC members presented to the White Bear Lake Human Relations
Commission.
* Annual Report submitted to the City Council.
* Gail Schiff begins her term on the MHRC.
* Group Norms established for MHRC meetings.
* MHRC member presented to the Lake Elmo Human Relations Commission.
MAY * Sent copies of the 1993 MHRC Annual Report to businesses in Maplewood.
* Sent copies of discrimination posters to local businesses, schools and
religious organizations.
* Participated in the Maplewood City Hall Open House:
- Set-up a display with informational materials
- Sponsored the Bridge Bunch Puppets
3
1995 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.
5
APPENDICES
This is a copy of the letter that was sent to victims of hate crimes that occurred in 1994.
MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
August 18, 1994
Dear Resident of Maplewood:
It has come to the attention of the Maplewood Human Relations Commission that you have
been a victim of a crime. We understand from authorities that the motivation for this act
may have been racial bias and prejudice. The members of the Commission express regret
that this has happened.
Enclosed is a brochure outlining what your rights are in this case and what organizations
you may want to contact for help and support. In addition, if you would like to talk with a
member of the Commission, please contact Sherrie Le at 770-4524 at City Hall. Because
of confidentiality reasons, we have not been given your name so we cannot directly contact
you.
We see once again that much work needs to be done to stop discrimination in our
communities. We are saddened by this incident and are motivated to increase our efforts
in the Human Rights arena so that this type of incident will not happen again.
Sincerely,
Marie Koehler, Chairperson
Maplewood Human Relations Commission
Enclosure
A
A MULTICULTURAL WORLD
DEFINITIONS
Multicultural- refers to many cultures; goes beyond a white, western perspective.
Gender Fair- refers to equity of females and males; does not employ sexist language or
practices.
Curriculum - refers to that body of knowledge which is transmitted to learners; is not
limited to formal instruction; includes anything that happens to a student during a school
day; is the responsibility of all school district employees, representatives.
Cultural Groups in United States - African American, American Indian, Asian American,
European American, Hispanic American.
Cultural Pluralism/Cultural Diversity - the inclusion of all cultural/ethnic/racial groups.
Prejudice - negative opinion, feeling or attitude formed without knowledge, thought or
reason; depends heavily on stereotypes.
Discrimination - results from individuals or institutions having the power to act on
prejudice.
Minority - an individual who is not part of the power structure; in the United States, usually
a female or person of color.
Ethnic/Cultural/Racial Groups - refers to groups with which individuals identify; based
on such commonly shared factors such as language, heritage, geographic origin, religion
and/or race.
Multicultural/Gender-fair Curriculum - a curriculum which weaves information by and
about all persons into its learner outcomes, activities and instructional strategies; a
curriculum which comes from a salad bowl rather than from a melting pot perspective; a
curriculum in which differences are acknowledged, accepted, affirmed, celebrated!
C
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-
rig hteous.
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
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
POLICY AND ORGANIZATION 1
COMMISSION ROSTER/ATTENDANCE RECORD 2
1994 CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS 3
1995 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 5
1995 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 6
APPENDICES
SAMPLE LETTER OF RESPONSE
TO BIAS/HATE CRIME A
STATE OF DIVERSITY--POLICY GOALS
FOR THE 1990'S B
A MULTICULTURAL WORLD
DEFINITIONS C
IT'S THE 'PERSON FIRST'--THEN THE DISABILITY D
CONFRONTING ISSUES OF PREJUDICE E
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ROSTER AND ATTENDANCE
Appointment End of No. Meetings
Date Term Attended
Carol Cude, Secretary 11-93 12-94 8/10
Gordon Heininger, Vice Chair 1-93 12-95 10/10
Marie Koehler, Chair 1-94 12-96 8/10
Karla Sand 1-93 12-95 8/10
Gail Schiff 3-94 12-96 6/7
Shelly Strauss 7-93 12-94 8/10
Pat Williamson 1-92 12-94 9/10
Sherrie Le (ex officio)
Human Resource Director
Michael McGuire (ex officio)
City Manager
2
1994 CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS (cont.)
JUNE * MHRC member presented to the North St. Paul Human Relations
Commission.
JULY * MHRC member attended the League of Minnesota Human Rights
Commission meeting in New Ulm.
* No MHRC meeting.
AUGUST * Letter of support sent to Maplewood residents who were victims of racial
bias and prejudice.
* No MHRC meeting.
SEPTEMBER * MHRC members developed their annual workplan.
* MHRC members attended The League of Minnesota Human Rights
Commission's 23rd annual conference on "Human Rights in Action."
* Developed Diversity Awareness Award and Diversity Awareness Poster
Contest materials.
OCTOBER * MHRC members updated resource listings of educational, religious and
fraternal organizations in Maplewood.
* Mailed out the Diversity Awareness Award and Diversity Awareness Poster
Contest materials to all of the schools in Maplewood.
* Follow-up calls were made to Maplewood schools regarding the Diversity
Awareness Award and Poster Contest.
* Met with the Mayor and City Council members to inform them of our annual
workplan and to discuss topics of mutual concern.
* MHRC members investigated a housing discrimination complaint.
* Co-hosted with the city of Maplewood, the League of Minnesota Human
Rights Commission's monthly meeting. Several MHRC members attended
this meeting.
NOVEMBER * Advertised to fill MHRC board vacancies.
* Continued investigation of the housing discrimination complaint.
* MHRC member attended a 30 hour Mediation training sponsored by the
League of Minnesota Human Rights Commission.
* Drafted a standard letter to be sent to victims of bias and hate crimes.
DECEMBER * Ken Collins, Chief of Police for the City of Maplewood, met with MHRC
members to discuss appropriate strategies for responding to hate crimes.
An agreement was made that the Police Department would work
collaboratively with the MHRC on these matters.
* Letter to be sent to victims of bias and hate crimes was revised and
finalized.
* Pat Williamson and Shelly Strauss resigned as members of the MHRC.
4
1995 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
OCTOBER DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH
AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY
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
Therefore, here are a few tips for p Y palsied, or C.P. or spastic
improving your language related to person who is deaf or hard of deaf and dumb
disabilities and handicaps. hearing
1. Speak of the person first, then the person with retardation retarded
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
61. side of the body)
has quadriplegia (paralysis of quadriplegic
both arms and legs)
has paraplegia (loss of function in paraplegic
lower body only)
of short stature dwarf of midget
1991. PACER Center,Inc. Reprinted
from June 1989,PACER Center Early Childhood Connection
and September 1989,PACER Center PACESETTER. accessible parking handicapped parking
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"Freedom is not real to me when I have it and my brother does not,"
i,, ._
When a nation enjoys it and another does not
When my race has achieved it and others have mot,H
Vice Presidenf Huberf H. Humphrey
May 2 1967
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