Human Relations Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION January 5, 2016 The Human Relations Commission held a Meeting on January 5, 2016 at City Hall Executive Conference Room. Chair Larry Apperson calling meeting to order called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. A. ROLL CALL The following members of the HRC were present: Larry Apperson (Chair), Joe Gastiger, Norden Gilbert, Lisa King, Ellingsworth Webb, Cameron Zelaya. Absent was Robert Williams. Also present was NIU Chief Diversity Officer Vernese Edghill-Walden and Management Analyst Lauren Stott. B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS All agenda items were approved. C. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There were no public participation items. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The December 1, 2015 minutes were approved. E. OLD BUSINESS 1. Promotion of Diversity Programming a. Discussion with Dr. Edghill-Walden of Northern Illinois University Chair Apperson presented the Commission background information about Dr. Edghill- Walden. Chair Apperson asked Dr. Edghill-Walden to provide her first impressions of the DeKalb/NIU community. Dr. Edghill-Walden indicated that the NIU community has good intentions for making progress in the area of diversity and inclusion. She indicated the differences between Regular Meeting January 5, 2016 Page 2 of 4 diversity, inclusion and equity and how they apply to initiatives on the NIU campus and throughout the DeKalb community. Dr. Edghill-Walden indicated that many of the conversations regarding, race, diversity and ethnicity occur in silos, and the challenge is determining how to develop relationships and trust that foster cross-cultural conversations and action. Dr. Edghill-Walden said she is interested in identifying ways to attract diverse candidates to NIU. She indicated that one of her first recommendations is for the City to create a resource guide that includes various things like ethnic foods, religious organizations, school resources, etc. Dr. Edghill-Walden said she wants the community to take advantage of the diversity in DeKalb and embrace it, as well as bridge the divide between DeKalb and Sycamore. Dr. Edghill-Walden said university welcome groups is another way potential or new residents may become acclimated with this area. Dr. Edghill-Walden said she believes a community center like the YMCA is an effective place to engage residents in opportunities for dialogue. She said it is important for diversity dialogue conversations should be very specific instead of very general, and that the university is beginning to host and promote diversity dialogue events in 2016. b. Review of “Race Together” Materials Dr. Edghill-Walden introduced the “Race Together” brochure as an opportunity the Starbucks CEO took to create opportunities for diversity discussions. She said the initiative started with Starbucks employees and was expanded to become a framework for a discussion on race and diversity. Dr. Edghill-Walden said that NIU is hoping to use the Starbucks model to create a program in DeKalb, and that dialogues, training and educational materials are most important for success. She said it is important also for the City’s Strategic Plan to be relatable for all residents in DeKalb and to make everyone feel like they are part of a larger community. Commissioner Gilbert indicated the Commission’s recommendation regarding the Strategic Plan, and the Commissioners’ opinion of the weaknesses of the plan. Commissioner Gastiger indicated that NIU should consider future diversity conversations and meetings at DeKalb’s new public library. In response to concerns that events and discussions will be attended by the same group of people, Dr. Edghill-Walden said the university is exploring a mandate for attendance at the faculty level. The Commissioners reviewed the potential City training opportunities for Dr. Edghill- Walden and discussed the importance of thoughtful planning to ensure effectiveness. Commissioner King said she is interested in attempting to foster shared programming, and that it will require the connection of a shared value system. Dr. Edghill-Walden said she understands that partnering for every initiative is not feasible, but that it will require analysis on a case-by-case basis. Commissioner Gilbert said he is concerned that training isn’t a priority of the City. The Commissioners discussed funding and their concerns that a proposal would be made but it wouldn’t be approved by the City Council for funding. Dr. Edghill-Walden said that it is important for the ongoing costs to be institutionalized. Analyst Stott said that a formal proposal is necessary before the Council considers the programming. Dr. Edghill-Walden asked how she would be expected to be involved, and Chair Apperson said that it would be helpful if she could indicate when an opportunity arises. She said NIU would consider diversity dialogue events off-campus. Chair Apperson recommended a subcommittee to address diversity dialogues further and with more specificity. Chair Apperson, Commissioner Zelaya and Commissioner Gilbert volunteered for the subcommittee. Commissioner Gilbert addressed the resource guide recommendation from Dr. Edghill- Walden and said that it is important for the resources to be present for the resource guide to be created. The appointment of the subcommittee was approved by the Commission with the intention to return to the Commission with a recommendation for review. c. Discussion of Local Business Proposal from Resident Herb Rubin Commissioner Gilbert indicated that, in the past, the Commission had authored a letter to express support for initiatives similar to the anti-hate submission. Chair Apperson requested that Commissioner Gilbert work with him on a letter to the editor regarding this item. Chair Apperson said the Commission will plan to respond to the Mayor in support of the initiative. Chair Apperson also indicated that the letter to the editor will be composed based on the concepts in the proposal. Regular Meeting January 5, 2016 Page 4 of 4 Commissioner Gilbert said it might be wise to consider two letters that focus specifically on each of the issues: a) Syrian refugees and b) Black Lives Matter. Commissioner Webb indicated his support of encompassing all groups in a single letter. Chair Apperson indicated that he and Commissioner Webb would compile the letter. d. Dr. Cohen Proposal – Next Steps This item was addressed in Item 1.B. on the agenda. 2. Discussion and Review of Models for Re-Entry of Ex-Offenders Commission members agreed to table this item. 3. Community Member Recognition The Commissioners agreed to table this item. 6. Website Recommendations Updates a. HRC Landing Page – Review of Updates The Commissioners agreed to table this item. F. NEW BUSINESS No new business items were recorded at this meeting. G. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m. __________________________________________ LAUREN STOTT, Management Analyst Minutes approved by the Human Relations Commission Tuesday, January 2, 2016.