03-06-2012
Richfield Human Rights Commission
Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2012
6:30pm City Hall
1. Call to Order & Attendance
a. Julie Bagby
b. Sana Juma
c. Elizabeth (Morrissey) Wendt
d. Phillip Lower
e. Todd Sandell
f. Todd Chase
g. Nancy Roberts
h. David Eldridge
i. Pat Elliot
j. Teresa Kruse
k. Lall Ram
Guests:
l. Joe Hoover
m. Barbara Satin
2. Guest Speakers
a. Barbara Satin: is a transgender activist who told the Commission
her story and explained what positive influences she brings to the
community.
i. Ms. Satin is a 77 year old born male/identifies female who
was closeted until retirement/age 60.
ii. Transgender identity is unique in that it is often visible (as
opposed to identifying as gay/lesbian/bisexual).
iii. There are heightened issues with employment, housing law
enforcement, health care, harassment, violence and injustice
at every turn.
1. Ms. Satin provided a handout on “Injustice at Every
Turn,” a report of the national transgender
discrimination survey.
2. Communities of color may have an even more
heightened barrier to acceptance and services
because of their culture.
iv. Ms. Satin is active in the elder community and the church
community, providing encourage, education and support.
v. Ms. Satin also spear heads “Transgender Day of
Remembrance,” remembers transgender individuals lost to
violence or suicide.
b. Joe Hoover: an community activist who provided his opinion on the
proposed Pillsbury commons housing project
i. Mr. Hoover came because he heard that the commission
may provide a public statement on the Pillsbury commons
project.
ii. Mr. Hoover’s opinion is that the plan as it now stands, is not
good for Richfield. The size (over 40 units) and the status
(100% low income) creates a segregated community, not an
integrated community.
iii. More information at www.pillsburycommons.org/resources
iv. Joe is invited back for our May meeting to provide further
information.
3. Reports:
a. Liaison(s):
i. Todd Sandell:
1. Linda is going out on medical leave and Kristy Amend
will take over Linda’s duties as it relates to
administrative work for this commission.
2. RHRC needs to pick a date to give a report to the City
Council. It isn’t required this year, but the commission
has done many things that are worth reporting.
3. Be sure to give Linda the election results from tonight
4. Old Business
a. Gene & Mary Jacobsen Award:
i. The letter went out to the community. Thanks Linda!
ii. Nominations are due April 30, 2012.
iii. The Commission noticed that the city website still needs to
be updated and Elizabeth will inform Linda.
iv. Teresa would like to nominate a family for the reward and
will abstain from voting when the time comes if necessary.
5. New Business
a. Commission Elections
i. Chair: Philip Lower
ii. Vice Chair: Nancy Roberts
iii. Treasurer: Todd Chase
iv. Secretary: Elizabeth Wendt
6. Looking Ahead:
a. our next event?
i. Tabled to next meeting, but start brainstorming and
researching ideas
b. Summer Schedule
i. Tabled
c. Next Meeting is April 3, 2012 and Kevin Lindsey, the State
Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will
be the guest.
7. Adjournment