Versailles-Midway-Woodford County Human Rights Commission (HRC)
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Regular Meeting Midway City Hall 6:30 P.M.
Present: Donald Morton, Sherry Brown, Marilyn Daniel, Dan Brown, Mary Raglin, Annete Muniz, Sheila Harris, Mary Nehring
Absent: Tony Wilhoit
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. by Harris, Vice-Chair.
Approval of Agenda: Daniel and Muniz made motions to approve the agenda. Motion passed.
Comments/Questions from Members of the Public:
Ms. Suzznne Llorente described the details of a complaint of incidents which have occurred at Woodford County High School regarding her daughter and Coach J. Lucas. After some discussion, Ms. Llorente agreed with the HRC’s suggestion for a HRC committee to meet with Superintendent Hawkins and Principal Akers to discuss the issues described. The HRC agreed that 3-5 Commissioners should meet with Superintendent Hawkins as soon as possible as well as to request a meeting between Coach Lucas and Ms. Llorente.
Approval of Minutes
M. Raglin and Muniz made a motion to approve minutes. Motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
D. Brown reported that Midway will send $400 and Woodford Fiscal Court will send $440 as noted in last year’s budgets. Versailles had already sent $400. The balance is currently $1498.00.
Reports from Committees:
Education (Scholarship Committee): None
Fairness Ordinance Committee: Daniel gave an update regarding an Indiana lawsuit. A lesbian fired from her job filed a lawsuit claiming sex discrimination. The case went to the 7th District Court of Appeals which determined the term “sex” included in the Civil Rights Acts does include sexual orientation and gender identity. Daniel noted that this probably would be challenged and eventually end up in the Supreme Court for a ruling.
Old Business:
Book Program: The Commission discussed more possible fundraising sources and decided to wait until fall 2017 to make applications for the program available to the Simmons Elementary geographical service area.
Woodford County High School Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Club update: D. Brown reported the Woodford County Gay-Straight Alliance will hold a coffee house with student readings and performances at Versailles Presbyterian on Friday, April 28, 2017.
HRC Annual Reports to Governing Bodies: The 7/1/2017 – 6/30/2018 HRC Fiscal Budget was approved. Daniel will draft a letter to the governing bodies and D. Brown will deliver to Morton for his signature. Budget cover letter and budget will be mailed as soon as possible.
New Business:
June 1, 2017 Speakers: Morton will invite Coyle, Traugott, and Vandegrift to the June 1, 2017 meeting to have a discussion regarding job opportunities in Woodford County.
SPARK Festival: D. Brown relayed the invitation for the HRC to have a booth at the upcoming SPARK Festival. Daniel and Brown made motion and the motion passed. D. Brown made available a work sign-up sheet and D. Brown will set up and close down the booth.
Midway Christian Church Lenten Breakfast: Harris gave a report of D. Brown’s presentation of his work with the HRC at the breakfast. Midway Christian gave a gift of $50 to the HRC.
Rory Barron Letter to the Woodford County Board of Education: Daniel summarized the letter and discussion followed. Daniel suggested writing a letter of support and presented a draft letter. Daniel and Raglin made motions to send the letter. Motion passed 6 – 1 with 1 abstaining.
Upcoming Events, Duties and Activities:
Midway Fall Festival
December 31, 2017 - HRC Annual Reports due to the 3 governing bodies
Respectfully submitted, Dan Brown, Secretary-